Defensive duo Michael Duff (calf) and Ben Mee (knee) are due to resume training at some stage next week but are doubtful for the visit of Steve Bruce's high-flyers.
Winger Ross Wallace (knee) is likely to miss out once more and although Dean Marney trained last week, tightness in the calf looks set to prevent him from facing his former club.
Marney's fellow midfielder Chris McCann returned as a second-half substitute in Tuesday night's 1-1 home draw with Barnsley following a hamstring strain and could push for a start having suffered no ill-effects.
