Centre-half McCarthy missed the 2-2 draw against Derby last time out through suspension after his red card at QPR.
Gavin Mahon is set to be added to the squad after completing his loan switch from Loftus Road last week.
The experienced midfielder has not made a single appearance all season due to various injury problems but he has been in full training all week.
Kemy Agustien is still waiting to make his Eagles debut following his loan switch from Swansea but fellow midfielder Alex Marrow faces another couple of weeks on the sidelines with the ankle injury which has kept him out for nearly two months.
Source: PA
Source: PA