Dan Sweeney has joined the long-term Stevenage injury list after limping out of the last game with Lincoln City.

Both the centre-half and Kane Smith failed to finish that match and while there is better news on the full-back, the 30-year-old will be out for "quite a while".

Speaking prior to the League One game with Barnsley at the Lamex, Boro manager Alex Revell said: "He picked up a nasty injury to his knee, although we had some good news in that it won’t be as long as we first feared. 

"But yeah, it's disappointing for Sweens because he's come back in excellent shape and been brilliant round the place. 

"We're obviously disappointed for him but he's in a positive frame of mind in terms of what he can bring to the group here and now it's about us helping him and making sure he recovers fully. 

"Kane Smith went off with a with a slight niggle It’s touch and go whether he'll make it. 

"And again, it's a shame for him because he’s been in a real good vein of form and showing people you know how good he can be. 

"It’s disappointing for both because they're two big characters in different ways, Sweens for his voice and Kane in his performances. 

"Unfortunately, this is part of football and why we’ve got a squad, and they are both on the road to recovery."

But while the door closes for one player, it offers an opportunity for another to grab the shirt with both hands.

Revell said: "Charlie Goode's been waiting in the wings as has Nathan Thompson, who's been outstanding throughout pre-season and the time we've been together. 

"There's other players that can play in there as well so it's a chance for someone to come in and stake their claim. 

"Again, that’s why we have a squad full of quality and depth. 

"We’ll see what team gets selected and what that personnel is but whoever steps in will be ready and will know they have to play to their best standards to stay in the team."

Two other players are likely to miss out as well.

Luther Wildin has missed the last couple of games while Jamie Reid has not been seen at all, either during the season or the friendlies before it.

"With Jamie it is just a waiting game," admitted a frustrated Revell. "He's working hard in and out of the group and everybody wants to see him back because we know what he is about, his personality around the group and everything about him.

"Luther has been introduced into the group again but the game could potentially be too soon for him. 

"He's worked extremely hard over these last couple of weeks, they both have, to make sure that when they are ready and we get the all clear, they are ready to hit the ground running."