The 27-year-old limped off during the 4-3 Carling Cup victory over Huddersfield on August 26 and has been out of action since with what has been described as a "stress injury".
Strike-partner Andy Carroll will also miss the Championship clash at the new Cardiff City Stadium with a groin strain, once again leaving teenager Nile Ranger as caretaker boss Chris Hughton's only fit frontman.
Jonas Gutierrez (hamstring) is also still out, while deadline day signing Peter Lovenkrands is short of match fitness.
But midfielder Nicky Butt is available after suffering a slight ankle injury on his return to action from a dislocated thumb, while Fabricio Coloccini will be assessed after his late return from international duty with Argentina.
Kick-off is at 2.05pm.
