Scunthorpe v Barnsley: Johnson ‘desperate’ for Williams’s recovery

Both players are, however, unlikely to be involved.

Johnson’s side are 21st in League One after a difficult run of games that has seen them win only one of their last six.

He said: “I would doubt that any of those injuries will be back in time for the Scunthorpe game, but we are checking a couple out (yesterday).

“Hourihane and Watkins, they’re the two that’ll be a late fitness test.

“Realistically it’s going to be a case of going with what we’ve got.”

Johnson also revealed there is no indication as to when Ryan Williams will next line up for Barnsley, the 22-year-old winger having only played 25 minutes since his permanent signing from Fulham in the summer.

He said: “There’s no timescale on Ryan. We just have to let him breathe. It’s up and down, we’ve said that before, and it’s now down to him really.

“He’s got a bright future, we made a big investment in signing him, and for whatever reason we haven’t been able to have him available apart from 25 minutes so far.

“Naturally it is frustrating, but you’ve got to respect the human. He’s had scans and there’s a tear, it’s not like he’s making it up in his mind.

“Certainly, it’s been a blow for us. I love his game. We brought him in and paid some good money for him because we like him.

“We’re desperate for him to get involved and do well and bring his attributes to our team. It was partly built around his attributes, so it’s affected us.”

Lloyd Isgrove, who joined the Tykes on loan last week from Southampton and made his debut in the 1-0 loss against Fleetwood, has said he will be fit for today’s game despite a minor knock.

He also added that he is keen to play as much first-team football as possible while at Oakwell.

He said: “The lads had a day off (Thursday) but I came in and had a full day of training to make sure that I was fit for Saturday, so I should be fine.

“I want to play games, which is why I’ve come out now. I’m at an age at which playing games is the most important thing.

“My contract’s up at the end of next season, so if I can do well away from Southampton, either they see me doing well and want me to play for them or I look for a permanent move somewhere else.”