This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel will nervously be waiting for news on midfielder Alex Mowatt, who had to be substituted in the Tykes' second match of the season against Sheffield Wednesday after coming off with a muscle injury.

Barnsley assistant head coach Dale Tonge has said the club are still waiting on the injury prognosis regarding Mowatt, and are unsure whether he will be out for a short or long-term spell.

So how much of a blow to Barnsley would it be to lose Mowatt long-term?

We discuss........

Toby Wilding

"I think this would be a big blow for Barnsley.

"Mowatt started every league game for Barnsley last season, and has done with their opening games of the Championship campaign this time around, highlighting just how important he is to this side.

"That sort of a presence will be badly missed in the centre of Barnsley's midfield, as will Mowatt's ability to make something happen, which Barnsley may well need as they look to settle back into the division.

"It looks therefore as though Mowatt will be a big miss for Barnsley if he is out for some time, not least given this is the point of the season when everyone is desperate to get points on the board, not least a newly promoted one such as Barnsley."

George Brooks

"This could be a major blow for Barnsley. Mowatt is a driving force for Barnsley in midfield and he was outstanding for Daniel Stendel's side in League One last season.

"He's already got some experience in the Championship and I was expecting him to play an important role for the team this campaign.

"Barnsley will be hoping to survive in the Championship this season, unlike their last season at this level and it's so important that they're able to get off to a good start - they've got a much better chance of doing that with Mowatt in the team.

"It will be a major blow for them to lose him long-term and now that the transfer window is closed, they will be unable to bring in a replacement."

[ad_pod ]

Jacob Potter

"It'd be an irritating blow for the Tykes.

"Mowatt has looked as though he could be the player to provide the creative spark that Barnsley have needed this season in the Championship.

"So, if he was to be ruled out for a significant amount of time through injury, then he’d leave a sizeable void in the Barnsley starting XI.

"He’s a difficult player to replace as well, and Daniel Stendel will be keeping his fingers crossed that the injury isn’t as bad as first feared.

"They’ll slip down the table quickly if he isn’t in their side heading into some tough looking fixtures in the next month."