Cauley Woodrow has been a huge miss for Barnsley this season, out of action since mid December, but the 27-year-old could return to play some part for the Tykes before the campaign reaches its conclusion. Woodrow was a huge player in the Tykes' great escape of 2019/20 and will bring bags of quality to the attacking contingent, if fit in time to feature. Poya Asbaghi explained his approach to Woodrow's potential return when he spoke to The Yorkshire Post. He said: "I don’t know if I need to gamble. "Let’s just say that even though he is a player who does not feel 100 per cent in his timings, he can still be a player who can contribute.
"Maybe not for 90 minutes or even 70 minutes, but for some part of the game as he still has some characteristics that are still important for us.
"Not only about his leadership, but football abilities. "I am hoping there is a scenario where we don’t have to gamble, just a scenario where he is fit enough to contribute for Barnsley.
"I follow his rehabilitation day by day and he has been super-professional and it is that which gives him a chance to contribute in the last couple of games.
"With the same scenario and injury for another player, it is not 100 per cent certain that they would make it back before the end of the season." When fully firing, Barnsley are very dangerous in the final third, and potentially adding Woodrow into the mix with Amine Bassi, Domingos Quina and Carlton Morris would make the Tykes a far more menacing prospect in the final weeks of the season. The Verdict

 

 

Asbaghi has worked extremely hard to find the right attacking combinations this season with Devante Cole, Victor Adeboyejo and Aaron Leya Iseka largely flattering to deceive. The absence of Woodrow, and the way he can lift the level of those around him, has significantly exacerbated that problem. With Woodrow fully fit, the relegation battle could reach a fascinating spectacle in the final weeks of the season if Derby County or Peterborough United can throw their names into the mix as well. The Tykes need to stay in touch or Woodrow's return will come far too late and no match has been more important this season than tomorrow's hosting of 21st placed Reading.