Joe Rothwell has returned to Manchester United from his loan spell early and Lee Johnson says a signing could be brought in to fill the void.

Midfield man Rothwell, 20, endured a frustrating time at Oakwell and made just seven appearances.

After struggling to hold down a place in Lee Johnson's starting eleven, a reoccurrence of tonsillitis has emerged and he's set for an operation later this month.

Johnson admits it's been a shame for Rothwell who signed alongside Old Trafford teammate Ben Pearson on a loan deal until January.

"It's a big operation for Joe. He's had this sore throat for an awful long time," said Johnson.

"He hasn't played as much as he would have liked but probably that's been due to this.

"He's been in an out and had a couple of niggles. When it has been right for him to come in, he's ended up with the throat infection.

"It was frustrating him and he's had it over the course of three to four years.

"It was just best for him and his career to have his tonsils out and go from there."

With Rothwell's departure comes new scope to bring another player in on loan.

Barnsley now have the maximum allowed in matchday squad in five. They are Pearson, Conor Wilkinson, Kadeem Harris, Michael Smith and Dan Crowley.

Johnson says he's now tempted to sign a new player but wouldn't say which position he's looking at. Although Barnsley look short at left-back, Johnson says he's keeping his options open.

He added: "I think we could do with another body at least. "It won't necessarily be left-back because we've got George Smith who's doing really well and he's our player.

"We will continue to play him and you've always got the cover of Lewin and Matty Templeton.

"But if there was an injury to a left-back then you'd assess it.

"There's still a few players on the free market so it doesn't necessarily have to be a loan.

"There's no doubt that we have a couple in mind and if we can, we will."