The Portuguese centre-half was booked for the fifth time this season against Cheltenham in the FA Cup and serves a one-match ban.
But Dan Seabourne is fit after missing the last four matches with a thigh injury and should slot into the back four.
Morgan Schneiderlin returns from suspension and fellow midfielder Richard Chaplow is back after resting an Achilles problem, but winger Lee Holmes is out after suffering an ankle injury against Cheltenham.
Right-back Frazer Richardson and striker Rickie Lambert also picked up knocks in the 3-0 win over the League Two side but they are expected to be fit.
Left-back Ryan Dickson will line up against the club he left over the summer.
Source: PA
Source: PA