Reading signed Joao Virginia on loan in the summer.
Reading boss Jose Gomes has told reporters that Everton loanee Joao Viginia will remain at the club despite the goalkeeper falling down the pecking order at the Madejski Stadium, the Reading Chronicle reports.
“Joao Virginia has been working very, very well and he has been improving day by day. If we need him, we can count with him. He is our player so I don’t think this can happen [a recall]. I think we are stronger with him than if we let him go,” Gomes explained.
Virginia started Reading’s opening two Championship fixtures of the campaign. However, after suffering back-to-back defeats to Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City, the 19-year-old was later dropped.
Fellow new goalkeeper Rafael has since started Reading’s subsequent Championship games, and the Brazilian has had a positive impact on the club with the Royals picking up seven points.
Virginia was expected to get more game-time in the Carabao Cup game at Plymouth Argyle in midweek, but Gomes instead opted to play youngster Sam Walker who made his first start of the campaign.
Everton would have sent Virginia out on loan with the idea of the goalkeeper gaining regular first-team experience, but that now appears unlikely as he slips down the pecking order.
The Toffees allowed him to go out on a season-long loan deal, and without a recall clause, they may now have to wait until next summer to assess their options.
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