Winger Lewis Grabban is progressing well from his recent hamstring problem but the Cobblers clash will probably come too soon.
Alan Dunne is still missing with ankle ligament damage so midfielder Nadjim Abdou could keep his place as a makeshift right-back.
Midfielder Danny Spiller is stepping up his training as he recovers from a long-term hip injury but full-back Danny Senda needs to see a surgeon this week with his knee still giving him problems.
Northampton captain Chris Doig will return from a one-match ban.
Boss Stuart Gray was furious with his side's first-half display at the weekend and could make changes with Iketchi Anya pushing for a first start after impressing as a substitute.
Midfielders Luke Guttridge (knee) and Liam Davis (hernia) returned to the bench after lengthy spells out and could come into contention but Ryan Gilligan is set for a long spell out. Gilligan picked up a knee injury in last week's abandoned clash with MK Dons and could be facing a month on the sidelines.
Gray has boosted his options by signing Chelsea defender Carl Magnay on loan and he will travel with the squad but top scorer Adebayo Akinfenwa will again miss out as he serves the third of his four match suspension.
Sporting Life