Drinkwater KO'd

Last updated : 14 December 2011 By Rob Miles (BarnsleyBoy)

Barnsley’s hopes for a successful Christmas has suffered a severe dent with the news midfielder Danny Drinkwater has been forced to return to parent club Manchester United with a torn thigh muscle.

The 21 year old has been in sparkling form for The Reds since arriving on loan from Old Trafford at the end of August and had helped The Reds surge into the top half of the Championship on the back of five wins in seven matches.

Unfortunately though, Drinkwater who has scored once in 15 appearances under Keith Hill suffered his injury in the first half of last weekend’s 5-3 home defeat to Ipswich, but Hill is hopeful the player could return in the New Year once Drinkwater has recovered.

Hill told the Sheffield Star:

"Danny could be out for three to four weeks. He's gone back to Manchester United for an MRI scan to see the extent of the damage.

"We're hoping he's going to be alright, but we won't know any more until we hear back about the scan. We're hopeful, but you never know with these things.

"Danny's injury is a blow for us because he's been excellent this season but his injury presents opportunities for other players.

"Danny wants to stay and play football, but again he's not our player so we'll be working closely with United to see if anything can be done."