Cardiff manager Malky Mackay is hoping he will be able to call upon midfield duo Aron Gunnarsson and Stephen McPhail for the visit of Middlesbrough.
The pair missed the goalless draw at Millwall last weekend, Gunnarsson with a dead leg and McPhail with a knee problem.
However, centre-back Anthony Gerrard is struggling with a hamstring complaint picked up in the 1-0 victory over Birmingham on December 4 and is unlikely to take part.
That paves the way for captain Mark Hudson and Ben Turner to continue their partnership at the heart of defence.
Striker Rudy Gestede came back into the Bluebirds' matchday squad at the New Den after six weeks out with a hamstring problem, but will have to settle for a place on the bench once again.
Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray, meanwhile, will be without defender Tony McMahon for the trip to Cardiff.
The 25-year-old was booked for the fifth time this season in last weekend's 1-0 home win over Brighton and will sit out the game in South Wales.
However, Mowbray will hope for better news of striker Marvin Emnes and midfielder Marouane Zemmama.
The Dutchman limped out of the Brighton game with a hamstring problem, while Morocco international Zemmama was also forced off with a hip injury.
Both will be given until the last moment to prove their fitness as the Teessiders attempt to build upon back-to-back victories over Bristol City and the Seagulls.
Source: FOOTYMAD
