Nelson Oliveira has been praised for his mental strength by Reading boss Jose Gomes, after the on-loan Norwich City striker’s rapid return from injury.

The Portugal international scored his third goal in six matches when helping the Royals to win 2-1 at rock-bottom Ipswich last month, but also injured his hamstring at Portman Road.

It was initially feared his season could be over but after flying to China for treatment with renowned Brazilian physio Eduardo Santos, who works for Shanghai SIPG, and after missing three matches he was back on the bench on Saturday.

The Royals’ boss left him on the bench during a 2-1 home win over Preston but is hopeful the 27-year-old can be involved at Hull this Saturday.

Norwich City transfer rumours: Reading agree fee for Nelson Oliveira

“Before the Preston game I hoped we wouldn’t have to use him,” Gomes told Get Reading. “I didn’t want to use him because he had just come back and started training.

“He is very strong mentally and he wants to help the team. For everything he has suffered this season, he deserved to be on the bench.

“I didn’t want to use him because he had just come back and started training. He is very strong mentally and he wants to help the team. For everything he has suffered this season, he deserved to be on the bench.”

Oliveira, who is still under contract at Norwich until the end of the 2020 season but expected to be sold this summer, will not be able to play against the Canaries when the Royals head to Carrow Road next Wednesday.

The former Benfica striker also suffered serious facial injuries in just his second game for Reading, needing surgery after being trodden on by Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings.