Wellens must serve a one-match ban at Bloomfield Road after he was sent off for the ninth time in his career during last weekend's goalless home draw with league leaders Newcastle.
Paul Gallagher had to be substituted midway through the second half against the Magpies after sustaining a calf injury but City boss Nigel Pearson expects the Scot to recover in time.
However, Yann Kermorgant looks likely to miss out after suffering a hamstring problem in training.
Defender Alex Bruce goes straight into the squad after joining on loan from Championship rivals Ipswich for the remainder of the season.
Nolberto Solano could make his first start after coming on as a substitute against his former club last weekend while Lloyd Dyer, Dany N'Guessan and Steve Howard are also pushing for recalls.
