Kelvin Etuhu has been ruled out of action for up to two months ahead of Cardiff's trip to Reading.

The forward, who is on-loan from Manchester City, suffered ankle ligament damage during Sunday's 1-0 home defeat to Newcastle and will now return to Eastlands for treatment.

The news will come as a big blow to Bluebirds boss Dave Jones who managed to snare the 21-year-old on a season-long deal. Having put in an impressive substitute appearance at the weekend Etuhu was a strong contender to start at the Madejski Stadium.

However, in more positive news, fellow forward Ross McCormack is pushing to return in time for Saturday's home clash against QPR having not featured since the second weekend of the season due to a hamstring injury.

If he does not make the Rangers clash then next Wednesday's Carling Cup trip to Aston Villa looks likely, but there is no chance of him featuring against Reading.

Full-back Kevin McNaughton remains the only other absentee, with the 27-year-old a couple of weeks away as he nurses an ankle injury.