Barnsley midfielder Josh Benson is set to miss the pre-season and start of the 2023/24 League One campaign after receiving ankle surgery, according to reports from Barnsley Chronicle.
Coming off the bench during the Tykes’ playoff final game against Sheffield Wednesday, Benson only lasted 18 minutes before limping off Wembley due to an ankle injury. Now with the season over, the midfielder is set to undertake surgery and should return during the middle of next season.
Who Is Josh Benson?
Beginning his career with Arsenal’s youth teams, Benson joined the Gunners at the age of eight and progressed through the ranks for the next ten years. Sustaining a serious knee injury, Arsenal released the youngster and he joined Burnley. Joining the Clarets’ U23 team, who were managed by current Barnsley boss Michael Duff, Benson moved on loan in the 2020 January transfer window to Grimsby Town.
Making 11 appearances in the second half of the season, Benson played in defensive midfield and picked up four goal contributions. Impressing on loan, the 23-year-old stayed with Burnley’s first team and played six times in the Premier League.
A Season Of Two Halves
Rejoining his old coach Michael Duff with Barnsley this past season, Benson instantly became a starter, however, lost his starting place during the back end of the season. Featuring 43 times this season, only 18 appearances came as starts. Playing more forward in a central midfielder role at times, Benson scored six goals and added three assists throughout the season.
Writer’s View
This injury will be a blow for the player, with Benson missing out on crucial time in the summer to develop and get back to full fitness. The timing of the injury in the last game of the season means he won’t get a pre-season, which could affect him later on.
This isn’t the first time Benson has suffered an injury that will sideline him for some time, so hopefully the midfielder uses this time out as extra fuel to come back stronger and regain his place in the starting 11.
