BARNSLEY welcomed back Cieran Slicker, Ziyad Larkeche and Makenzie Kirk after injury and illness this week but are still without several players.

Ben Hamed Toure was still absent, as of Thursday, from the club due to compassionate leave.

The Ivorian striker, who signed for half a million Euros in the summer, has made four appearances with one league start but missed the last three weeks due to personal issues.

Head coach Daniel Stendel said: “When he’s back and I talk with him, I know more. But until now, I’ve not spoken with him.”

Veteran midfielder Daniel Johnson is expected to miss at least another week with an injury picked up last week having just signed. Stendel said: “It’s everything possible, but at the moment, I would say it’s a big question for the game against Oxford (on October 31).”

Centre-back Isaac Smith signed in the summer but has been out all season due to injury as has 20-year-old winger Fabio Jalo. Stendel said: “Isaac Smith would start, I think, next week with team training. And Fabio Fabio needs a long time.”

Luca Connell can return to face Reading on Saturday after a three-game ban for a red card against Leicester City on September 19.