The Royals battled to a narrow FA Cup defeat at Manchester City last weekend but McDermott has seen his squad decimated by injuries in the last fortnight and is struggling to name a recognised back four at Oakwell.
Captain Matt Mills is again ruled out with the groin strain which forced him to miss out at Eastlands while fellow centre-backs Ivar Ingimarsson and Alex Pearce are also out with thigh problems.
Right-back Andy Griffin is still not fit to start with his Achilles injury so midfielders Jem Karacan and Brynjar Gunnarsson will again have to play in defence as they did last Sunday.
Winger Jobi McAnuff captained the side last week but came off after an hour with a hamstring injury and midfielder Mikele Leigertwood (calf) and striker Noel Hunt (foot) also picked up injuries.
Goalkeeper Adam Federici is back in light training and could return after the international break so Alex McCarthy will continue.
Source: PA
