Video: Williams ruled out of Barnsley’s opener
Lee Johnson is refusing to rush Ryan Williams as Barnsley prepare for the new League One campaign.
The summer signing from Fulham is nursing a groin injury and the Tykes will be without the midfielder for Saturday’s trip to Chesterfield.
The 21-year-old - who impressed on loan at Oakwell last season before agreeing a permanent deal in the summer - is the only injury doubt for Tykes manager Lee Johnson.
“Ryan Williams is the only one who is not quite ready yet, and probably won’t be for a couple of weeks,” said Johnson.
“Everybody else is in half-decent nick, a couple still chasing minutes on the pitch and training sessions.
“But we go into the game in the best condition we can, given our pre-season.
“Williams is chomping at the bit, but we can be patient with him because we have two or three players who can play in that position.
“But there will be a time when he needs to be pushed, and he needs to push himself, but now is not the time to do it.
“Now’s the time for him to feel his way in, and hopefully get him out on the grass soon with the lads.”