BARNSLEY’S squad is becoming ‘chunkier’ than it was a few weeks ago, with several players closing in on a return from injury.

Defender Josh Earl – who has been out for more than a month – and wing-back Barry Cotter, injured since New Year’s Day, are back in training along with midfielder Josh Benson who came off against Cambridge last month.

Interim head coach Conor Hourihane said: “Josh (Earl) and Baz are in contention. Josh Benson is back with the group today (Thursday). They are all training – whether they are involved on Saturday or not, time will tell.

“The squad is looking a little bit chunkier, which is good. We’re in a little bit of a better place.”

Defender Mael de Gevigney was sent off at Birmingham on Saturday for a professional foul which carries a one-game ban. But, because it was his second dismissal of the season, he is suspended for two games – at home to Bolton on Saturday then at Leyton Orient the following Friday.

Goalkeepers Joe Gauci and Jackson Smith are both out injured is left wing-back Neil Farrugia.

Hourihane said: “There is no update on the goalkeepers, it will be Flav (Kieren Flavell) moving forward unless told differently. Neil is struggling. Whether his season is officially ended or not, I am not quite sure but obviously we’re running out of time. He won’t be involved this weekend or the Easter weekend.”