The midfielder, who currently tops the Championship's goalscoring charts with 16 to his name, was forced off with a groin strain in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against West Brom.
His absence against the Tykes would prove to be another blow for manager Dave Jones who is having to send out a patched up side time and time again.
Striker Jay Bothroyd, who is playing through the pain barrier, went down with cramp against the Baggies with initial fears it was hamstring problem, and he will also be assessed along with midfielders Aaron Wildig, Gavin Rae and Darcy Blake as they look to get over various knocks and niggles.
Jones is already without Stephen McPhail (ribs), Joe Ledley (hips), Mark Hudson (ankle), Miguel Comminges (thigh), Josh Magennis (broken fibula) and Kelvin Etuhu (ankle).
Barnsley have several injury concerns to contend with.
On-loan Manchester City full-back Kieran Trippier is unlikely to figure after picking up a hamstring injury during Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Scunthorpe.
The defender lasted just 35 minutes at Glanford Park and it remains to be seen how long manager Mark Robins will be without his services for.
Bobby Hassell, who replaced Trippier in midweek, is also a doubt after sustaining a broken nose and concussion against Nigel Adkins' men.
Emil Hallfredsson, Iain Hume (both hamstring) and Rob Kozluk (knee) are set to miss out, while Ryan Shotton serves the final instalment of a four-match ban.
The Tykes will be looking to get their campaign back on track following a run of three straight league defeats.
Sporting Life
