Ricardo Rocha could make a surprise return to the Portsmouth side after making a quick recovery from the hamstring injury that kept him out of last week's win at Hull.
But midfielder Richard Hughes is an injury doubt after suffering a thigh strain at the KC Stadium.
Hermann Hreidarsson made his return after seven months out with an Achilles injury as a late substitute last week and should be on the bench again.
Youngster Tom Kilbey has resumed training following a long-term knee problem but will not be involved yet.
Striker Danny Webber is still building up his fitness after a cruciate injury.
Forest have Ryan Bertrand available again after the defender served a one-match ban in the win over Ipswich last time out.
If, as expected, Bertrand goes straight back into the team at left-back, Billy Davies will have to decide between Luke Chambers and Kelvin Wilson for a central defensive spot.
Wilson returned to the side last weekend as Chambers was moved across to right-back.
Davies' small squad means that forwards Nathan Tyson (knee), Garath McCleary (knee), Robert Earnshaw (calf) and Dele Adebola (back) may be required to make up the numbers once again despite carrying niggling injuries.
