The former Newcastle defender has joined the Whites on a one-month loan deal from Bolton and is expected to slot into the heart of the back four.
Simon Grayson is waiting to see if Sunderland will extend George McCartney's loan deal with the club, with Andy Hughes standing by if the left-back does not return to Elland Road.
Skipper Richard Naylor has been ruled out due to the knee problem which forced him to miss the midweek defeat to Cardiff.
Summer signing Billy Paynter is expected to be included in the squad for the first time following his shin injury, but is likely to be on the bench, while fellow forward Ramon Nunez is pushing for his first start after catching the eye as a late substitute against Cardiff.
Goalkeeper Shane Higgs remains sidelined with a hamstring strain and winger Lloyd Sam is still struggling with a knock.
Source: PA