CLAUS Jensen is losing his fight to be fit for Wanderers' Roses battle with Barnsley at the Reebok on Saturday.

The Bolton playmaker, sidelined for three games with a mystery back complaint, has been told he needs more treatment and rest before being considered for a recall.

Robbie Elliott, who has put his talent and versatility to good use in the Dane's absence, will continue to deputise in midfield for a game Wanderers hope will bring only their second league win of the season.

"Claus is still feeling a lot of stiffness in his back," Colin Todd confirmed today. "So we've got to make sure the treatment and rehabilitation are just right. The X-rays have shown no internal damage but there's possibly a bit of misplacement in his spine that is causing the problem."

The Wanderers boss is hoping his team can draw confidence and encouragement from their Worthington Cup win at Gillingham on Tuesday.

The 4-1 win provided a well-timed boost to morale after a run of three defeats and one draw in their last four league games but Dave Bassett's Barnsley will provide a stern test of their prospects of a result that could see an upturn in results and a springboard to becoming a First Division force again.

Todd has interesting selection decisions to make for the Tykes clash. Keith Branagan is expected to be recalled in goal after being rested in favour of Steve Banks at Gillingham. But Banks, fit again after summer surgery, knows he has put his name back in the frame.

Eidur Gudjohnsen secured one of the two strikers' berths with his double strike in the 4-1 cup win but it's not certain whether Bob Taylor will continue as his attacking partner or whether Todd will involve Dean Holdsworth or Bo Hansen.

Jimmy Phillips picked up a knock after going on as substitute at Gillingham and was under treatment yesterday.

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