The French centre-back will not play for several months after damaging knee ligaments in North End's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle.
He collided with goalkeeper Andy Lonergan towards the end of the first half and was replaced by Liam Chilvers, who now looks certain to deputise from the start.
Left-back Callum Davidson also sustained a slight hamstring strain against the Magpies but manager Alan Irvine expects to have him available.
Winger Ross Wallace missed the Newcastle defeat with a knee injury but should also be given the green light to play at Bloomfield Road.
Midfielder Barry Nicholson remains sidelined but is hoping to be back in action early next year as he recovers from a broken leg.
