Crystal Palace captain Paddy McCarthy's groin strain is not as bad as first predicted.
It was feared the Irishman could be out for a month after hobbling off against Sheffield United but scans have shown he could be back in a couple of weeks.
"It's not as bad as first feared," confirmed manager George Burley.
"Hopefully it is not going to be anymore than a fortnight."
Sean Scannell continued his recovery from a long-term knee injury by playing 45 minutes of the reserves' 4-0 defeat to Fulham today, while Darren Ambrose should be fit for Saturday and Anthony Gardner is struggling with a back problem.
"Sean played 45 minutes so he is getting there," said Burley.
"He has still missed a lot of games though so is a way off.
"With Darren we have our fingers crossed as he wasn't too far away from being able to play at Sheffield and Anthony has been suffering with his back.
"He has been with the chiropractor the last couple of days."
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