David Batty, Michael Duberry and Lucas Radebe are all out through injury, Dominic Matteo and Stephen McPhail are serving suspensions, and Mark Viduka is absent as his father is ill in hospital in Australia.
Lamine Sakho and Salomon Olembe are also away on African Nations Cup duty.
Gary Kelly will make his 300th League start for The Whites.
Nick Barmby, if selected, will be making his 300th career League appearance.
Southampton's Graeme Le Saux is missing through injury and Claus Lundekvam (hamstring) is out and Marian Pahars (groin) is doubtful.