Barnsley puzzled by Jordan Williams’ injury ahead of busy Christmas schedule

BARNSLEY head coach Valerien Ismael says that the club plan to look ‘deeper’ into the current injury absence of defender Jordan Williams.
Barnsley's Jordan Williams, right, has been sidelined since November 21 with hamstring/knee issues. Picture: Richard Sellers/PABarnsley's Jordan Williams, right, has been sidelined since November 21 with hamstring/knee issues. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA
Barnsley's Jordan Williams, right, has been sidelined since November 21 with hamstring/knee issues. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

The 21-year-old – the club’s most consistent player prior to the arrival of the Frenchman in late October – has been sidelined since the 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on November 21 with knee/hamstring issues.

He will again miss out on Boxing Day, when the Reds welcome his former club and hometown side Huddersfield Town.

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Ismael, who confirmed that centre-half Aapo Halme will also be absent for the Oakwell derby, said: “It is still a problem for us because he (Williams) is not fit for the game.

PLANNING AHEAD: Barnsley head coach Valerien Ismael.
  Picture: Bruce RollinsonPLANNING AHEAD: Barnsley head coach Valerien Ismael.
  Picture: Bruce Rollinson
PLANNING AHEAD: Barnsley head coach Valerien Ismael. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

“Maybe we have to see deeper what exactly is wrong and make sure we don’t take any risk with him.

“He is a very important piece of my puzzle as he is a flexible player who can play in the right-back position and in the centre-back position.

“We need all the players and sometimes need rotation as some players need a break.

“It is very frustrating for him and us.”

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One player who could also offer Ismael defensive flexibility in the future is Toby Sibbick, with the Reds chief confirming that the ex-AFC Wimbledon player will remain at Oakwell for the remainder of the campaign after his season-long loan at Belgian top-flight outfit Ostende was cut short.

Sibbick, who spent the second half of last term on loan at Heart of Midlothian, returned to training with the first-team squad on Wednesday.

But the earliest that he could feature for the Reds is in next month’s FA Cup tie with Tranmere Rovers.

On his future, Ismael said: “It is a new possibility for us to get more flexibility and quality in our squad.

“He will stay with us.”

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“I saw some tapes of him and he is a young guy, but with a lot of experience and he has played a lot of games at a high level. I think it is maybe a good time now and time for him to integrate and know the principles.”

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