McPhail bombshell

Cardiff have a number of injury concerns for their game with Barnsley but a heath scare to Stephen McPhail has overshadowed them all.

The Republic of Ireland international, who used to play for Saturday's opponents, has been diagnosed with a stage one malt lymphoma, as a pseudo lymphoma.

He will now undergo treatment for up to three weeks but a playing return by late January has not been ruled out.

A statement released on the club's official website, asks for the City's fans and the media to respect his family's privacy during this difficult time.

The bombshell comes as manager Dave Jones prepares his team for the trip to South Yorkshire without Anthony Gerrard and Adam Matthews.

Gerrard has a calf problem while the teenager is sidelined by a groin strain he picked up on international duty with Wales under-21s.

The Bluebirds will also give a late fitness test to striker Jay Bothroyd who is struggling with a on-going knee injury.