Cardiff City are without inspirational skipper Darren Purse for the visit of Barnsley this evening. The defender was taken off before half time during the Wolves game with a back problem but early prognoses of a 2 week recovery were optimistic and Purse now expects to sit out for 6 weeks. Roger Johnson will again deputise in Purse’s place alongside Glenn Loovens.
Cardiff have no recognised centre-backs as cover, so will be hoping that Loovens and Johnson remain injury free.
Another major blow for Cardiff is the withdrawal of Riccardo Scimeca, out for a couple of weeks with a small tear in his hamstring after limping off against Leicester. His place was then taken by fullback Kevin McNaughton, who could again deputise. More likely, though, is the inclusion of new signing Simon Walton. The youngster joined this week on loan from Charlton and is similar in style to Scimeca, with a ball-winning mentality and aggressive tackling. Joe Ledley or Willo Flood are other options to Dave Jones.
In-form Michael Chopra and Steve Thompson are expected to start up front with new signings Jason Byrne and Iwan Redan both on the bench.
Barnsley have no particular injury worries but may start with a brand new stike pairing in Hungarian duo Peter Rajczi and Hungary International Istvan Ferenczi. Welshman Danny Nardiello could start but may drop to the bench to accomodate the new strikers.
Winger Kyel Reid is also available after extending his loan period from West Ham.
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