Barry Corr starts a three-match suspension for Southend.
The striker, making only his second appearance following 17 months on the sidelines, was shown a red card during the weekend's 1-1 draw at Plymouth following an off-the-ball incident with Darren Purse.
Manager Paul Sturrock has opted not to appeal having reviewed the video evidence, telling Southend's official website: "The DVD catches the incident but it isn't clear cut as to what happened so I think any appeal would be unsuccessful.
"It has to be a 100 per cent clear and obvious error by the referee to stand a chance of being overturned and I think in this instance that isn't the case. That's not to say Barry is guilty but you have to make a judgement based on the evidence available and the probability of success."
Goalkeeper Paul Smith (concussion), centre-back Mark Phillips and forward Gavin Tomlin (both groin) will each be assessed again having failed fitness tests ahead of the trip to Plymouth.
A late decision will be made about whether Burton striker Calvin Zola travels with the rest of the squad.
Zola was rested for the Capital One Cup defeat at Bradford last Tuesday but on his return to the team for Saturday's home league fixture against Northampton he lasted just 47 minutes before he was forced off with a hamstring problem.
Billy Kee replaced Zola against the Cobblers and, depending on what formation manager Gary Rowett plumps for at Roots Hall, he could do so again.
Rowett gave full debuts to loan signings Rob Kiernan at centre-half and Luke Rooney on the right wing as Burton drew 3-3 with Northampton, and they could keep their places in Essex.
