The defender suffered a groin injury during last weekend's defeat at Sheffield United, and although the problem is not as serious as first feared he will be out for a fortnight.
Anthony Gardner is a doubt with a back injury so Adam Barrett could be recalled at centre-half in McCarthy's place.
Owen Garvan starts a two-match ban following his red card at Bramall Lane but fellow midfielder Darren Ambrose could return after a hamstring injury ruled him out last week.
Winger Sean Scannell played 45 minutes for the reserves this week to step up his recovery from the knee injury he suffered in pre-season.
Source: PA
Source: PA