Mellis in Reds frame
Barnsley midfielder Jacob Mellis has an outside chance of returning to the squad for the derby clash with Leeds.
Mellis, a free summer signing from Chelsea, has missed the last seven games due to a severe dead-leg, but could play some part.
Defender Scott Wiseman is not expected to be included despite his proposed move to Blackpool being placed on hold due to the uncertainty over Seasiders manager Michael Appleton's future, while striker Craig Davies this week completed his permanent move to Bolton.
Tykes caretaker boss David Flitcroft, in charge for his third game following the recent sacking of Keith Hill, has no new injury or suspension worries and is expected to keep teenage striker Danny Rose among the substitutes.
Marlon Harewood and Chris Dagnall should continue up front after starting in last week's FA Cup win over Burnley, but Rose could play some part after stepping off the bench to score the Tykes' late winner.
Midfielder Paul Digby, yet to play this season due to persistent trouble with his quad muscles, will again be absent as bottom club Barnsley chase their second win in 15 league matches.
Leeds are expected to include permanent new signing Michael Tonge in their starting line-up.
Tonge, who spent three months on loan at Leeds from Stoke at the end of last year, has signed a two-and-a-half year contract after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the 29-year-old.
Fellow midfielder Paul Green missed last week's FA Cup draw with Birmingham due to the virus which has swept through the club in recent weeks, but manager Neil Warnock will be without an unnamed first-team player on Saturday through illness.
Another midfielder, Rodolph Austin, is also expected to return to contention after feeling unwell. The Jamaica international has only recently returned from a serious ankle injury.
Goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, skipper Lee Peltier, fellow defender Sam Byram and striker El-Hadji Diouf are all expected to return to the starting line-up after being named among the substitutes last week.
Source: PA
