Barnsley key trio expected to miss Leyton Orient trip
Barnsley’s Kacper Lopata, Robbie Cundy and Luca Connell are all poised to be out of action again this weekend, as detailed in a report by the Barnsley Chronicle.
Barnsley are back in League One action this Saturday with an away trip to Leyton Orient. They had a break this past weekend due to international call-ups.
Centre-back pairing Lopata and Cundy are both currently sidelined through injury. Meanwhile, midfielder Connell has been ill.
The Barnsley Chronicle report ‘none’ are expected back against the O’s. Richie Wellens’ side were promoted from League Two last term.
Barnsley selection latest
Barnsley signed Lopata over the summer to bolster their defensive department. The 22-year-old, who is a former Poland youth international, was on the books at Sheffield United from 2020 to 2022.
He went on to make two first-team appearances for the Blades. The ex-Brighton and Hove Albion man then went on to have spells in non-league at Woking and Southend United before linking up with the Tykes.
Cundy also made the switch to Oakwell in 2022 and played 31 times in all competitions last term under former boss Michael Duff. Prior to his move to South Yorkshire, he had spells at Oxford United and Bristol City.
Meanwhile, Connell has been a hit at Barnsley since his transfer last year and played a key role behind them getting to the third tier play-off final in the last campaign.
The former Bolton Wanderers and Celtic man will be itching to get back on the pitch when he can. His eventual return will be a big boost.
The Tykes are 3rd in the table after a decent start to the season under Neill Collins. They are five points behind 2nd place Oxford and six behind leaders Portsmouth.
Attacker on radar and more: Barnsley transfer news and rumours since deadline day
Barnsley have made a steady start to life under boss Neil Collins following his summer arrival.
Barnsley chose the former Sheffield United man as their new manager after Michael Duff left for Swansea City. The Tykes are currently 3rd in the League One table.
They have a break from the action this weekend due to international call-ups. Their next game is away at Leyton Orient next Saturday.
The Yorkshire side are said to be keen on signing Mansfield Town attacker Davis Kellior Dunn. According to a report by TEAMtalk, they are admirers of the League Two man along with fellow third tier club Bolton Wanderers and Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle.
Kellior Dunn, 25, has scored eight goals so far this term for the Stags but they could face a battle to keep him in January. He has played for the likes of Oldham Athletic and Wrexham in the past.
Collins said in early September that he hasn’t closed the door on bringing in free agents. He told the Barnsley Chronicle: “There’s always a chance.
“Right now we probably have a group that we need to give opportunities to. They need to feel that, if they are not playing, they could be the next one in.
“But we wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t keep a close eye on that and see if there is anyone who can make us better. My job is to make the team better on the field but we feel right now that we can do that best with what we’ve got.”
In terms of outgoings, Devante Cole is reportedly attracting interest from elsewhere. The Swansea Independent claim Duff is eyeing a possible winter reunion with the attacker.
Cole has scored nine goals in 12 games already in this campaign. He is well on the way to beating his tally of 16 from last season when he helped fire the Tykes to the play-off final.
Barnsley have no plans to offload young forward Fabio Jalo at this moment in time. The 17-year-old is being tipped for a bright future in the game.
Collins has provided this update regarding his immediate future, as per the Barnsley Chronicle: “We might see him prior to Bradford (the next trophy game in November) but I am looking forward to different opportunities that might arise for him.
“Right now, Fabio will stay here and see what opportunities come. He’s not that far away from getting in the first team depending on injuries and form.”
