Angus MacDonald set for long-awaited Barnsley return

Posted Thursday, December 28, 2017 by PA

Angus MacDonald could start for the first time since November in Barnsley's home clash against Reading on Saturday.

MacDonald has been missing due to injury and illness but was an unused substitute in the Boxing Day draw against Preston.

Stevie Mallan made his long-awaited debut in midfield for the Tykes in that clash and could keep his place, while Brad Potts may return from a virus.

Matty Pearson remains out with a calf injury which will keep him sidelined into the new year, while Ryan Hedges (thigh) and Lloyd Isgrove (knee) could also miss out.

Reading could have midfielder Liam Kelly back after illness forced him to miss the Boxing Day defeat at Bristol City.

John Swift may also come back in after the midfielder was rested, while George Evans will be monitored having just returned from a thigh problem along with Garath McCleary.

Royals boss Jaap Stam is aiming to halt a run of three straight defeats but is expected to again be without winger Callum Harriott (hamstring).

Forward Joseph Mendes and midfielder Stephen Quinn (both knee) are also still in rehabilitation, while defender Jordan Obita is out for the season after surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament.