Video: Barnsley given double boost ahead of Wigan Athletic clash

Key central defender Roberts will be available for the Latics clash if he comes through training unscathed in the next few days, as will loan winger Janko, who has been out with a thigh problem for the past two months.

But the game comes too soon for Aidy White, still making his way back to fitness after stomach surgery.

Heckingbottom, whose side have not won at Oakwell since the end of August, said: “Marc Roberts and Saidy have been back in training this week and they would not have been available last weekend if we had a game.

“Saidy trained last week and got 45 minutes in a reserve game, while Robbo only came back in on Monday, so they are not short of time and there’s still a long way to go to Saturday, with an intense training session today in terms of what will be asked of them.

“There will be lots of match-specific stuff and tomorrow will be lighter and if they come through today, they will be alright.”

On White, he added: “Aidy is doing okay. He has had an operation on his stomach, which seems to have healed really well. But he is still trying to get his groin issues cleared up and it is connected- all around his pelvic area.

“We cannot have him back on the pitch until he is ready and he is not training yet.”

Josh Scowen returns from a three-match ban, but loanee Sam Morsy is eligible against his parent club.