Barnsley midfielder Hugo Colace is doubtful for the Tykes' home clash with Cardiff.

The Argentinian is struggling with a groin injury and could face a late fitness test, but manager Mark Robins will be boosted by the return of skipper Stephen Foster through suspension.

Strikers Iain Hume and Daniel Bogdanovic, midfielder Emil Hallfredsson and winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce have all been on international duty and Robins is hoping they report back fit.

Iceland international Hallfredsson would be an ideal replacement should Colace not make it.

Midfielder Julian Gray has left the club following the expiry of his short-term contract and striker Michael Coulson has joined Grimsby on loan following his loan return from Chester.

Robins' side are chasing a fifth win in eight league matches as they look to maintain their climb up the table.

Manager Dave Jones faces an anxious wait over Peter Whittingham's fitness ahead of the trip.

The midfielder, along with striker Michael Chopra, missed the agonising 3-2 derby defeat to Swansea last time out due to a knee injury.

But while Chopra returns from his one-match suspension, Whittingham is still struggling to get back to 100% and a decision over his availability will be left as late as possible.

Teenage right-back Adam Matthews sustained a groin injury while on international duty with the Wales Under-21 squad this week and he will also be assessed prior to the trip to Oakwell.

Midfielder Stephen McPhail is recovering from a thigh operation and will return until early next year, while on-loan forward Kelvin Etuhu is set to return to first-team training on Monday after fully recovering from ankle ligament damage.

However, full-back Kevin McNaughton could feature in some capacity, most likely as a substitute, having finally recovered from ankle and calf problems which have kept him out all season.