The Northern Ireland international suffered a tear to his hamstring, meaning a minimum of four weeks' rest and recovery is needed.
Wilson was quick to swoop for Crystal Palace right-back Jack Hunt, who joined the Reds earlier today on loan until the end of the season.
"I feel so sorry for the lad and he’s absolutely gutted," Wilson told barnsleyfc.co.uk. "Maybe we can revisit it in the future but, unfortunately, we just can’t gamble at this moment in time. We’re not in a position to wait which is why we've brought Jack in."