Barnsley: Reds without defender for key Middlesbrough clash

The Finnish defender, who started the game at Blackburn on Saturday in a defensive midfield role, suffered a head and face injury at Ewood Park and could not come out for the second half of the 3-2 loss.

He has not recovered in time for the trip up the A1 as new boss Gerhard Struber aims for a first win at the helm.

Kenny Dougall is expected to replace Halme in the starting eleven, even though Struber did not give much away.

The Austrian said: “Aapo is not fit for the game, but we hope he can play on Saturday against Hull.

“He has problems with his nose and also the head and he cannot play.

“It is a problem for us, but we have other players for Aapo and we must speak with the staff as to what is for the best and which player we need and at the moment, we are not clear who will play at number six [holding midfield],” he added.

The Reds cannot contemplate returning from the Riverside without any points as they are five points adrift of Boro, who are out of the relegation on goal difference.

Struber added: “I saw Middlesbrough live against Hull and this is a side with a clear counter-attacking plan with very, very good strikers.

“We want a very good performance on and off the ball. We need focus for 90 minutes in all situations.

“But we have a clear plan for the game.”