Preston defender Billy Jones could feature in the visit of Cardiff after being asked to play through the pain barrier.
The right-back limped off after just 19 minutes of the 1-0 home defeat by Scunthorpe on Boxing Day.
He is booked in for a hernia operation in the New Year, but boss Alan Irvine is desperately hoping Jones can be patched up to play against Cardiff and at Sheffield Wednesday on January 1.
Darren Carter came on to replace Jones against the Iron while Callum Davidson dropping back into defence to plug the gap.
Meanwhile, skipper Paul McKenna recovered from ankle ligament damage to return to the side against Scunthorpe and should continue in midfield against the Bluebirds.
McKenna's comeback was the only change to the which won at Southampton last weekend.
Cardiff will definitely be without striker Steven Thompson.
Thompson will miss the Deepdale clash as he serves the final match of his three-game suspension following his red card against Bristol City earlier this month.
With Robbie Fowler still a doubt with a sprained ankle, manager Dave Jones may elect to recall Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to the starting line-up after he was left on the bench in the Boxing Day draw with Watford.
Riccardo Scimeca could be added to the squad for the clash after returning to full fitness following his long lay-off with a groin injury.
But Trevor Sinclair (knee) is still out while full-back Chris Gunter has played his last game for the Bluebirds after agreeing to join Spurs on New Year's Day.