The 27-year-old midfielder is struggling with a sore knee as Tony Mowbray's men attempt to bounce back from successive defeats by Swansea and Millwall.
However, keeper Danny Coyne returns to contention after recovering from a torn calf muscle, although he faces a fight to oust youngster Jason Steele.
Midfielder Kevin Thomson is still suffering from the after-effects of a broken leg while central defender Stephen McManus is a long-term absentee with ankle ligament damage.
Jonathan Franks (herniated disc), Willo Flood (knee), Rhys Williams (pelvis) and Matt Kilgallon (back) remain on the sidelines.
Source: PA
Source: PA