Bury vs Barnsley - Tom Soares struggling for Bury's clash with Barnsley

Posted Wednesday, December 23, 2015 by PA

Bury midfielder Tom Soares is doubtful for the boxing Day visit of Barnsley in Sky Bet League One with a groin injury.

The 29-year-old was withdrawn at half-time of Friday's defeat at Southend and will be assessed.

Striker Daniel Nardiello is still not quite 100 per cent fit after a back problem while winger Joe Dodoo has returned to Leicester following his loan spell.

The match is boss David Flitcroft's first against the Tykes since he was sacked as their manager after almost a year in charge in 2013.

The South Yorkshire side will be without on-loan striker Ivan Toney following the teenager's early recall by parent club Newcastle.

In Toney's absence, head coach Lee Johnson could hand a first start since September to winger Ryan Williams, who has been nursing a groin problem all season, and switch Marley Watkins to a central role alongside Sam Winnall.

Centre-back Alfie Mawson is pushing for a recall as he was an unused substitute in last week's home defeat to Wigan, while defender James Bree and Lloyd Isgrove are also hoping to feature.

Johnson has no new injury or suspension concerns as Barnsley chase back-to-back away wins in a bid to climb out of the bottom four.