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Wanderers emerged from the transfer window a stronger prospect but still face a crucial morning in their build-up to Saturday’s game against Barnsley.
Among the players reporting to Lostock will be new additions Aaron Collins, signed from Bristol Rovers, and Caleb Taylor, brought in on loan from West Brom.
But two more familiar faces will be under the microscope as Ian Evatt and his coaching staff put the finishing touches to their preparations.
Eoin Toal and Will Forrester are currently on track to play against the Tykes, having both carried injuries in recent weeks.
Toal had a scan on an Achillies problem and has had his workload reduced to manage the issue, while Forrester has come back several days early following a hamstring injury.
Evatt admitted that Friday’s training session could be a crucial one if both players are to make his squad on matchday.
Captain Ricardo Santos will be out for at least a week with a minor calf tear, meaning there will be at least one change to the side that started against Blackpool on Tuesday night in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Jack Iredale and new signing Taylor are definitely fit to start, and Josh Dacres-Cogley has played as a right-sided centre-back, which may be the Whites’ only option if Toal and Forrester encounter any problems.
Wanderers were beaten over two legs in the play-offs by Barnsley last season, Liam Kitching’s solitary goal proving the difference at Oakwell.
The South Yorkshiremen were then managed by Michael Duff, who quit the club to take over at Championship Swansea City. Ex-Wolves and Leeds United centre-back Neil Collins replaced him after five years coaching in the US with Tampa Bay Rowdies.
The Scot has changed the combative style which became associated with the Tykes during their days under Duff and has gradually brought results in line with a promotion push, especially away from home.
Evatt says his side will need a completely different strategy then they did in May.
“They have changed from last season and are not as structured as they were – but they are probably more of a threat in terms of goals,” he said. “They had to change and evolve, and they have done.
“The attack in great numbers and have threats on the pitch. They like that open and transitional game.
“We have to make sure we manage those transitions and are ready to throw back our own punches.”
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