Coulson suffered the injury in training and Reds physio Matt Konopinski has delivered the bad news this afternoon:
"We had some very, very bad news last week regarding Michael's knee injury. He was involved in a training ground collision and unfortunately he has had a recurrence of the cruciate ligament injury he had last year.
"It is really bad news and heartbreaking for Michael but he will now be working hard over the next few months and through the summer to get back fit for the start of next season".
He was talking to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk.
Meanwhile, South Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United have completed the signing of Chesterfield striker Jamie Ward for £330,000. Ward turned down a move to the Reds last week after demanding too much by the way of wages.