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Opinion: Everton man suffers devastating blow on loan, manager snub is nail in the coffin

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Joao Virginia has struggled for form and playing time since joining Reading on loan over the summer, but the latest blow he’s suffered could spell the end of his time at the Madejski Stadium.

Since Sam Walker returned, Virginia has been snubbed by manager José Manuel Gomes and no longer makes the matchday squad. His loan could be cut short as a result.

Upon his arrival from Everton, the 19-year-old was initially first-choice between the sticks. However, five goals conceded in two error-strewn performances led to him being dropped for Rafael and he’s only made one appearance ever since.

Virginia started in the EFL Cup third round against Wolverhampton Wanderers (September 25) but made another glaring error in goal as Reading were eliminated.

If he can no longer make the squad, there’s little reason for the Portuguese u21 international to stay at Reading. He’s better off training back at Everton and getting reserve-team football until his form picks up. Big things were expected of Virginia this season, but the pressure may have got to him.

The shot-stopper is unlikely to get many first-team minutes for Everton while Jordan Pickford, Maarten Stekelenburg and Jonas Lossl are ahead of him in the pecking order, but his loan move is clearly not working out.

Reading travel to face Bristol City on Saturday afternoon, but time will tell if Virginia is recalled.

Read Crippy Cooke’s previous article

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.