Barnsley head coach Gerhard Struber has provided an injury update on both Ben Williams and Aapo Halme, indicating that Clarke Oduor will start.

Barnsley are currently looking to build on their positive performances by getting the wins needed to close the gap between themselves and safety, which currently stands at a daunting seven points.

The Tykes’ last result was another laden with disappointment as they threw away another winning position in the second half after yet another defensive lapse in concentration after Lucas Joao bundled an equaliser home for Reading on Wednesday night.

This game saw Struber shuffle the pack after a couple of injuries forced changes to his starting lineup, with Aapo Halme missing out with an ankle injury, meaning Kenny Dougall protected the defence from holding midfield. On top of this, left-back Ben Williams had to be withdrawn on the hour mark as it appears he has picked up a muscular injury. 

Williams was replaced by Tony Sibbick on the night but Gerhard Struber has revealed in his pre-match press conference - as per Adam Oxley -  that summer signing Clarke Oduor will start in his place against QPR tomorrow.

Oduor signed from Leeds United’s under-23s in the summer and has yet to nail down a spot in Barnsley’s lineup but this presents him with a great opportunity.

The Verdict

It is a blow that both Williams and Halme are most likely unavailable as it means they will be making changes and weakening an already porous side with little experience.

Struber is clearly confident in Dougall’s and Oduor’s ability as they look to stake a claim to start more regularly. Halme was signed as a centre-back but has made the holding midfield position his own of late as Struber looks to find his best eleven.