Jamie Ward is expected to miss Nottingham Forest's clash against Preston with a hamstring injury.

The striker could return against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend but Henri Lansbury (ankle) and Britt Assombalonga (knee) remain unavailable for the foreseeable future, although both are expected to be back in full training later this month.

Daniel Pinillos (knee), Andy Reid (groin) and Matty Fryatt (Achilles) will miss the rest of the season while Oliver Burke is still sidelined for Forest with a broken hand.

Burke has had an operation while David Vaughan, who broke his own hand playing football with his children, has had a cast fitted and is available.

Preston are confident goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard will be back between the sticks.

Lindegaard had a stomach bug at the weekend, meaning Chris Kirkland deputised, but North End manager Simon Grayson does not expect the illness to keep him out of a second straight game.

Grayson reported a "few knocks" were picked up after Saturday's draw with Brighton and Jermaine Beckford, yet to appear since August, is making slow progress in his recovery.

He is on an injury list that also includes fellow knee-injury victims Stevie May and Liam Grimshaw, as well as Chris Humphrey (shin).