Dave Jones' biggest selection dilemma ahead of the game remains how to get the best out of Craig Bellamy.
The striker recovered from his latest troublesome knee problem to play the whole 90 minutes in City's 2-1 win at Barnsley - their final game before the international break - but he is unlikely to last the full length of the Bristol City game and Tuesday's trip to Coventry.
Michael Chopra made a goalscoring return for Cardiff's reserves in midweek after more than seven weeks on the sidelines recovering from ankle ligament damage, and he could well play a part in the lunchtime kick-off.
But midfielder Danny Drinkwater (thigh) and defender Chris Riggott failed to feature for the second string, suggesting they are not quite ready.
Darcy Blake was dismissed at Oakwell a fortnight ago for two yellow card offences and he will now serve a one-match suspension.
Bristol City have no new problems ahead of the game.
Jamie McAllister suffered a cut to the head from a stray ball at the club's golf day on Wednesday but the defender will be fit to travel.
Strikers Nicky Maynard (knee) and Sam Vokes (hamstring) remain out but Keith Millen has an otherwise full squad to choose from as his bottom-of-the-table side look for a first league win in five matches.
"I think Cardiff is a good game for us because we are very much the underdogs going into it and everybody expects them to enjoy themselves and put on a good display," said Millen. "It is also a bit of a local derby, so it is a big one for both the supporters and the players and we will need to make sure that we are strong, resilient and tough to beat.
"If we can go there and get a good result then it will give us something to build on and a confidence boost going into the double-header at home against Reading and QPR next week."
