Matty Wolfe is expected to miss the majority of August with a knee injury but Nicky Cadden’s calf problem is ‘not as bad as we feared’ says Barnsley head coach Michael Duff.
Left wing-back Cadden came off before half-time against Cheltenham on Saturday with a calf problem. He is expected to miss tomorrow’s EFL Cup tie at Middlesbrough but could return for the league game at Derby County on Saturday.
Duff told the Chronicle: “It’s not as bad as we feared. He has a tiny little something in there so we made the right decision getting him off. He won’t be available tomorrow night but he’s got a chance for the weekend.”
Midfielder Wolfe – who has had injury issues in the past – picked up a knee problem in training last week. Duff said: “Wolfie is a week in so he’s probably got another two or three weeks left.
“I think historically it was more for a back injury, this time he has had an impact in a tackle and opened up his knee joint. There’s not a lot he can do about that.
“Hopefully it’s not a sign of another injury-ravaged season. He’s been good and we’re happy with him. We’re looking forward to him getting back from this injury.”
New signing Slobodan Tedic has been in training. Duff said: “He might have some involvement tomorrow. He wouldn’t be able to start a game at any level.
“But he’s had a few days in training so we’ll take him with us and see how the game goes, and whether we can get him involved or not.
“He’s different to what we’ve got, six foot three, more of a targetman and plays with his back to goal.
“If he trains well, he’ll get on the pitch in games then it’s over to him.”
Duff was delighted to get his first win as Barnsley manager at home to Cheltenham, his former club, after losing 1-0 at Plymouth on the opening day.
“There’s a relief for everyone. As a new manager, you want your first goal points and clean sheet. Without being spectacular, it was a pretty comfortable 1-0 if there is such a thing. There were good bits and bad bits.
“With a little bit more quality we could have scored more but we saw the game out and we need to win in front of the supporters as much as we possibly.”
Duff said he was not aware of any new bids for players and the Reds were not close to signings.
