But Oakwell officials were still bracing themselves for the Argentinian midfielder to be unavailable again on Saturday.

Barnsley's bid to get international clearance for the 24-year-old has been strangled by red tape.

He arrived in Barnsley in July and is still awaiting his debut, two weeks into the new season.

General secretary and Oakwell director Don Rowing said: "This has been six weeks now and I cannot see him being eligible for Saturday. In 30 years in football I've never known a problem like this.

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"The longest I've ever waited before is a week."

The delay is thought to be because administrators in South America had been dragging their feet. The matter has been referred by the English FA to FIFA. They have asked the Argentine FA for their reasons why the transfer from Newell's OB has not been completed.

The Argentine FA have been given a deadline of tomorrow to respond. If not a FIFA committee will then convene and rule on the transfer.

Barnsley are signing the midfielder on a free transfer, taking advantage of a clause in his contract with Newells.

Barnsley Reserves have their first match of the season tonight at Hartlepool. Coach Kelham O'Hanlon is taking a squad of youngsters there although Kyle Letheren, Jacob Butterfield and Rob Atkinson, from the first team squad are set to play.

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