Barnsley boss Mark Robins has told the Sheffield Star that his players will go into the international break in dire need of a rest.
The Reds were missing first teamers Bobby Hassell, Stephen Foster, Paul McShane, Jacob Mellis, Danny Haynes and Garry O'Connor for Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Reading.
As a result of this, usual midfielder Nathan Doyle had to fill in at an unfamiliar centre back and the Reds were forced to bring outcast Hugo Colace back into the starting eleven.
Robins expects to be able to welcome back all but Paul McShane for the match against Crystal Palace a week on Saturday. The on-loan Hull City defender has made a fine start to his Oakwell career but picked up a hamstring injury and although initially physio Chris Burton said he would be out for eight weeks, Robins revealed the Irishman was making good progress.
He told the Star:
“The players looked tired on Saturday, both teams looked tired,”
“It wasn’t a pretty game, but we had enough chances to win it. Reading were there for the taking.
“But the international break has come at a good time for us; it gives us a chance to recharge our batteries and get a lot of players back from injury.
“The players are going to have a few days off and then we’ll get back to a normal week of training next week.
“It’s a case of getting back refreshed for the final part of the season. I know a number of other clubs are having some time off this week, but for us it gives us the chance to try and get everybody fit in time for the Palace game.”
“I didn’t have a lot of options so I had to move Nathan into the back four and Hugo Colace got his chance in midfield, but that wasn’t ideal because he’s only just got back from injury."