The 20-year-old midfielder has been on the sidelines since February and visited renowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado for an operation in March.

Barnes had been making steady progress but has been hit by a thigh strain which has put the brakes on a scheduled return for the reserves during the week.

"He's picked up a little tear in his thigh, which happens when you come back from long-term injury," Jewell told the Derbyshire Evening Telegraph.

"He's straining at the leash but he's not 100% fit. He's had a couple of setbacks but his knee is fine, which is the main thing.

"We were looking at him to play on Wednesday against Mansfield in the reserves. Now this might knock him back a bit. We'll have to speak with the physios."