On-loan Norwich City striker Nelson Oliveira has had surgery on the facial injuries suffered while in action for loan club Reading at the weekend.

The out-of-favour Canaries forward was making his second appearances since joining the Royals for the remainder of the season, scoring a penalty on his debut during a 1-1 draw at Bolton last week.

Oliveira started again for the relegation battlers but came off in the 73rd minute of a 0-0 draw with play-off hopefuls Aston Villa on Saturday, after lengthy treatment.

Graphic images emerged on social media of the Portugal international with two deep gashes across his face and a severely swollen nose, having been taken to hospital as a precaution.

Reading posted a message on their official Twitter account on Sunday, saying: 'Nélson Oliveira has had surgery today and is recovering well.

'We'd like to thank our medical staff, the paramedics, ambulance staff and all at the RBH for their exceptional work. The #ReadingFC family sends love and support to Nelson!'

The 27-year-old was stood on by former Ipswich defender Tyrone Mings in a challenge, on loan at Villa from Birmingham, who apologised after the match.

Mings wrote on Twitter: 'Absolutely loved wearing the claret and blue today and over the moon with the clean sheet! @AVFCOfficial Feel awfully sorry to Oliveira, I hope he is ok.'