Joe Cole could make his home league debut for Coventry after missing their weekend win over Peterborough.

The on-loan Aston Villa midfielder was left out of the squad for the 3-2 comeback win with Tony Mowbray keen on managing his workload.

Boss Mowbray told a press conference: "It's a few more days of getting his body right, I am hopeful he'll be in the squad and make a big impact either from the start or the bench."

Reda Johnson (hamstring) and James Maddison (ankle) are both long-term absentees, although Maddison could return early in the New Year.

Barnsley manager Lee Johnson could be tempted to make changes as his side look to halt a six-game losing run.

Johnson has no new injury or suspension problems but none of his missing players are expected to return to contention.

Nick Townsend is likely to retain his place in goal despite an early error in Saturday's defeat at Scunthorpe that cost his side a goal as Adam Davies (groin) is still unable to kick a ball.

Midfielder Conor Hourihane is still struggling with a hamstring injury and winger Ryan Williams (groin) is not yet ready for first-team action.