Cardiff boss Dave Jones is again likely to be without Craig Bellamy for the home clash against Crystal Palace, although Seyi Olofinjana stands a marginally better chance of being involved.
The former Southampton manager is desperately looking to get the key duo back in action, but knows he cannot rush their rehabilitation and may well be forced to see them make a full return after the international break, which follows Saturday's trip to Barnsley.
Bellamy has been sidelined for the past three weeks with a troublesome knee injury, while influential midfielder Olofinjana has been missing for a fortnight with a thigh problem.
That may mean the pair's return coincides with that of Danny Drinkwater (thigh) and Michael Chopra (ankle), who are both targeting the Severnside derby against Bristol City on October 16 to make their comebacks.
Jones must decide whether to keep faith with Tom Heaton after he made his first league start of the season in Saturday's last-gasp 2-1 win over Millwall, demoting David Marshall to the bench.
James Vaughan is out of Palace's trip to the Welsh capital through suspension.
The on-loan Everton forward starts a three-match ban after being red-carded early on in Saturday's 5-0 defeat at Derby.
Last season's top scorer Darren Ambrose is close to returning after six weeks out with a leg injury but he is more likely to make his comeback against QPR on Saturday.
Defender Anthony Gardner is still a doubt with an ankle injury, while full-backs David Wright (calf) and Lee Hills (knee) are still sidelined along with winger Sean Scannell (knee).
Veteran Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids returned from compassionate leave to play at Pride Park and should be involved again.
