Preston are hoping Billy Jones will be able to play against Cardiff, who are still without Steven Thompson.
North End wait on Jones, Thompson still banned
Preston North End are hoping Billy Jones will be able to play against Cardiff City, who are still without Steven Thompson.
Jones lasted just 20 minutes of the Boxing Day defeat to Scunthorpe United and requires a hernia operation.
But Preston boss Alan Irvine is aiming to keep Jones in his side until he can bring in a replacement when the transfer window reopens.
Darren Carter replaced Jones against Scunthorpe, with Callum Davidson dropping back into defence to plug the gap.
Meanwhile, Paul McKenna recovered from ankle ligament damage to return to the side against Scunthorpe and should continue in midfield against the Bluebirds.
The captain's comeback was the only change to the team which won at Southampton last weekend.
Cardiff news
Dave Jones' Bluebirds are once again without Thompson, as the Scottish striker serves the final game of a three-match suspension.
With Robbie Fowler still a doubt with a sprained ankle, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink could earn a recall to the starting line-up after he was left on the bench at 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 club after agreeing to join Spurs on New Year's Day.
