BARNSLEY will be without their captain and potentially will not have their head coach on the sidelines for their FA Cup game at Derby County on Sunday.
Head coach Michael Duff was sent off during the 2-1 win over Fleetwood Town last week, after speaking to the fourth official following a penalty not being awarded to the home team.
The Reds have appealed the red card so he was in the dugout for Monday’s game with Bolton Wanderers.
As of Thursday afternoon, the club were waiting for a decision on whether he would be banned for Sunday’s game.
Duff told the Chronicle: “I genuinely don’t know. It’s been the last thing I’ve been thinking about.
“I turned up against Bolton not knowing but I was told I could be on the bench. I haven’t even thought about where I will be on Sunday.
“I am still waiting for the decision. I don’t want to talk about the red card because it’s a ‘he said, she said’ but I disagree with it.”
Captain Andersen was sent off early in the 3-0 home defeat to Bolton.
He will miss one match for a professional foul, which is the cup tie at Derby on Sunday.
The Reds decided not to appeal the decision which Duff called ‘harsh’.
Duff told the Chronicle: “We thought about appealing it but, in the end, we didn’t want to take the risk of an extra game so we left it.”
He added: “Mads has been top draw and he’ll be a big miss.
“He will be thankful for the rest.
“It might be a good thing because he's played a lot and he can recharge his batteries.”
Duff had a ‘long conversation’ this week with Mike Jones, the EFL’s head of refereeing.
He said: “I think we’ve been on the wrong side of some harsh decisions. We have conceded five shots on target in three games, five goals, and three have been penalties.
“We have not had a penalty this year in the league which is a little bit bizarre.
“It wasn’t a conspiracy or moaning, but I just felt I had to ask him a couple of questions. It was an hour-long conversation which was positive.”
Barnsley could replace Andersen with Tom Edwards who they are hoping will be available after a month out with a knee problem. If not, Jasper Moon – who has not played in the league this season – could be drafted in or the Reds could change formation.
Midfielder Adam Phillips missed the loss to Bolton having hurt his ankle in the previous game against Fleetwood.
He didn’t train yesterday but could be involved on Sunday with Duff saying it was ‘touch and go.’
Striker Jack Aitchison missed the last two games due to ‘a personal issue’ but has been back in training.
