Barnsley handed major injury blow ahead of Bolton Wanderers test

Barnsley will be without influential midfielder Luke Thomas after he broke his leg prior to Saturday's defeat to Exeter City.

Bolton Wanderers host the Tykes on Saturday looking to return to winning ways after a 1-0 reverse to Forest Green Rovers. After back-to-back away defeats, Ian Evatt will be desperate to return to home comforts.

Barnsley were shocked at home by managerless Exeter, losing 2-0 at Oakwell. Their preparations were badly interrupted after Thomas suffered a serious injury.

READ MORE: Ian Evatt responds to Bolton Wanderers booing in Forest Green Rovers loss

"In training, we were doing a small-sided game, he slid in at the back post to score with no one anywhere near him," Duff told the Barnsley Chronicle. "His leg got caught underneath him and his studs caught in the ground.

"He broke his leg and damaged a lot of ligaments in his ankle. It’s not an excuse for today but it’s difficult when players see their mate, who is a popular member of the squad, on gas and air, screaming in agony.

"There is a weirdness in the training, players are not really listening because they’re worried abut Luke. We have to re-pick a team.

"I can’t blame that on the performance but it might have been a contributing factor. We definitely lacked his energy today.”

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