New Preston boss Phil Brown will assess the fitness of defensive duo Wayne Brown and Leon Cort ahead of the game against Forest.
Brown missed the defeat at Crystal Palace with a hamstring strain and Cort also missed out at Selhurst Park with a similar problem.
Despite North End suffering a third straight defeat at Palace, the performance provided reason for optimism and Brown may be reluctant to make many changes.
Preston remain short of numbers but Brown is hoping to make up to six new signings after being installed as Darren Ferguson's replacement at Deepdale.
The former Hull manager, who has penned an 18-month deal, said: "I need to be proactive in the transfer market."
Nottingham Forest midfielder Paul McKenna has recovered from illness and should return to the squad against his former club.
The Reds captain has missed the last six matches - he was initially sidelined by a groin injury before picking up a virus.
Boss Billy Davies has no new injury problems for the third round tie but the Scot will be without Marcus Tudgay, who turned his loan from Sheffield Wednesday into a permanent deal this week, as the striker is cup-tied.
Defender Julian Bennett and forward Joe Garner have returned from loan spells at Crystal Palace and Huddersfield respectively but must wait to see if they are included in the squad.
