JOSH Benson is set to miss the start of Barnsley’s season after another setback in his injury-blighted Reds career.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who has started just three league games in almost two years due to a series of different injuries, came off with a hamstring problem in the friendly at Accrington on Saturday. He is set to miss several weeks.

Head coach Darrell Clarke told the Chronicle: “It’s really unfortunate for Josh.

“He’s picked up a slight hamstring problem and we will assess that over the next few weeks.

“I am gutted for the lad because he’s been doing really really well and he’s not had much luck over the last few years.

“Hopefully he won’t be out too long but he will probably miss the start of the season.

“Mentally it’s challenging but these things happen.

“We need to get his mindset right and be positive.

“He’s one of the fittest lads. He does everything right, he doesn’t cut corners. But he keeps picking up these problems.

“I said at the start of pre-season that he has to get to a period of time where he gets through training and games.

“He nearly got there but he’s unfortunately picked up another injury.”

There is better news on the injury front concerning American international defender Donovan Pines, who could play against Real Mallorca tomorrow.

He has been recovering from surgery earlier in the year.

Clarke said: “Pinesy is back. It’s great to have him the group. He’s a great lad and he’s massive.

“He might get 15 or 20 minutes on Friday, that is the plan.

“The key for the start of the season is to get as big a squad as possible before the start of the season.”