The reason behind Ryan Nyambe’s absence at Barnsley wasn’t down to an injury.

Tony Mowbray revealed after the game that the 23-year-old was dropped from the squad, having been substituted in the defeats to QPR and Preston.

Nyambe’s exclusion from the squad came as Rovers switched to a back three, with Elliott Bennett returning to the side at right wing-back, the 32-year-old having himself not made the squad for the North End defeat.

That was one of three changes to the line-up at Oakwell, as Taylor-Harwood-Bellis and Stewart Downing also came into the side.

Having confirmed there was no injury to Nyambe, Mowbray was asked about the reasons for his absence, and said: “No reason. I’ve got to select a team, I’ve got some players, one or two won’t make the matchday squad, and Ryan didn’t.”

Nyambe has started 22 of Rovers’ 29 matches this season, with this the second time he’s not been included in a matchday squad, the other being when self-isolating around the time of the win at Birmingham City on January 2.

The Namibia international, who is out of contract in the summer, was on the bench for three of Rovers’ opening eight matches, but has since established himself as first choice at right back.

However, Harwood-Bellis has been used in that position since his arrival, while Joe Rankin-Costello, soon back from three months out injured, is another option at right back.