The season-ending injury to summer signing Sessi D'Almeida will not necessarily encourage Barnsley to sign another central midfielder, says head coach Paul Heckingbottom.

The 20-year-old ruptured the cruciate ligament in his knee while playing for the Reds development team against Crystal Palace this week and is expected to miss the rest of the campaign. Former Paris Saint Germain man D'Almeida has made three substitute appearances as the main back-up for starting central midfielders Conor Hourihane and Josh Scowen.

Heckingbottom said: "Scowy and Conor have done great and we have seen George Moncur can come in and do great too.  We're not desperate to recruit in that position. We are always looking at every position anyway."

D'Almeida's injury is a major blow for the Benin international who signed a two-year deal with the Reds earlier this month following a successful trial. Heckingbottom said: "He went in for a tackle but it's not the tackle that has done it. It's when he's gone to push off and change direction.

"His knee has just given way. It's a sickener for the boy and for us because we were using him. It's just about getting him fit now and doing his rehab. We need to make sure he's comfortable because he's just moved country, moved his girlfriend over and then he gets a shocking injury. We will have to look after him. "He will be out for the season. Sessi will be missed but it's an opportunity for someone else now."