Rotherham United boss Paul Warne has confirmed that Newcastle United loanee Dan Barlaser has been recalled to his parent club as a safety precaution.

The recall comes in tandem with the FA’s decision earlier today to extend the suspension of the Premier League and the EFL until April 30^th at the very earliest. This decision was made to protect staff, players and supporters during the pandemic that has been sweeping the globe for the last couple of months.

With clubs up and down the country closing their training grounds, Newcastle United have decided for Barlaser to return to the club until the action is resumed later next month. Barlaser has been very impressive for Rotherham United so far this season with the loanee making 24 appearances for Warne’s side, scoring on two occasions and creating another five.

Yorkshire Post journalist Leon Wobschall broke the news this afternoon, he tweeted:

Barlaser has been a key component for the Millers so far this season, often being utilised in a pairing with Matty Crooks which gives Rotherham a perfect blend in the middle of the park. Whilst Crooks can muscle his way past opposing players, he often attracts attention from more than one player which gives Barlaser the space he needs to create goalscoring opportunities for the forwards.

QUIZ: Can you name the player who scored the first Rotherham United goal in each of the last 16 seasons?

However, the Newcastle loanee has been missing in recent weeks after picking up a reported ankle injury during the tie with Coventry City last month with his absence appearing to have made an impact on results. The Millers could only draw with relegation threatened MK Dons at home and a disappointing defeat to Rochdale saw them lose ground in the title race.

It is not known whether Barlaser will return to Rotherham following his injury, but the Millers will be desperate for him to return when the football kicks off again next month.

Additionally, Lewis Price and Freddie Ladapo - also of the Rotherham squad - are self-isolating at this worrying time.

The Verdict

Barlaser has been crucial for Rotherham so far this campaign but it is understandable as to why Newcastle have recalled him back. He is contracted to the Magpies and they will need to do everything in their power to ensure that he remains healthy as they cannot risk anything at this moment in time. It will do Barlaser the world of good to return to Newcastle to focus on his recovery with the aim to be fresh for one final push to get Rotherham promoted.

Should he not return to League One action this season, Rotherham fans will remember him as a great player who played his role in a highly successful season. On several occasions this season the Millers have turned to Barlaser for inspiration, for him to create a moment for them to win a game and he often delivered. His creative instinct in midfield have been crucial in the Millers’ push for an instant return to the Championship.