BARNSLEY midfielders Luca Connell and Jon Russell should play in the league again this season, possibly at Blackpool on Saturday, says head coach Neill Collins.

Connell picked up an injury in training last Friday while Russell hobbled off the next day against Reading, with both missing Tuesday’s trip to Portsmouth.

Collins told the Chronicle: “They are progressing in the right direction. There is still an opportunity for them to be involved on Saturday, if not then the next Saturday. It’s unfortunate to have the two guys who have played number six (defensive midfield) out at the same time. It’s not ideal timing.

“Both have been playing well. It’s frustrating. But I thought, the other night, Herbie (Kane) was excellent in that position and Conor Grant came in and did really well.”

Defender Robbie Cundy is returning from his latest injury setback and has been out for nearly a year.

“He probably won’t be ready for this Saturday. We were looking to maybe get him minutes for the under 21s on Friday but even that might have come too early. We will keep hoping that we can get Robbie back and able to contribute at some point.”

Josh Benson has suffered another setback in his injury-plagued Barnsley career. The midfielder has not made a first team appearance since November and started just three league games since September 2022. He returned to fitness in February and was on the bench but now has suffered another injury.

Collins said: “He’s had a really tough time. He’s out with what we think is a small injury. It’s a slightly different injury. If you look at the history, it’s hard to say he could make an impact this season. It’s still possible. But it’s not ideal for Josh that he’s missed so much time.”