Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio faces the daunting task of a trip to Chelsea with a threadbare squad in his first Premier League match in charge.
Di Canio has doubts over midfielder David Vaughan due to a groin problem and defender Carlos Cuellar, who is struggling with his ankle.
Captain Lee Cattermole and striker Steven Fletcher will both miss the rest of the season with knee and ankle injuries respectively.
But there is some hope for long-term absentee Wes Brown, who is continuing to train without suffering a reaction to his knee problem.
Chelsea's fixtures continue to come thick and fast as they battle on three fronts with FA Cup and Europa League trophies to play for.
Fernando Torres scored twice against Rubin Kazan on Thursday but given the rotation policy, Rafael Benitez could restore Demba Ba to the starting line-up for the visit of the Black Cats.
Oscar and Eden Hazard were both involved as substitutes in Europe, with John-Obi Mikel left on the bench, so all three can expect recalls to the team on Sunday.
The Shots midfielder had initially been diagnosed with a dislocated kneecap having been stretchered off after his knee gave way during Easter Monday's 3-2 victory over Oxford.
But after the Welshman returned to Cardiff to receive treatment and undergo a further MRI scan, it was confirmed he had sustained ligament damage and will now face an even longer spell on the sidelines.
Manager Andy Scott said: "It is a devastating blow for Aaron who has performed well since I arrived at the club. We send him our best wishes and hope for a quick recovery."
Bournemouth midfielder Joe Partington will miss their clash with the Magpies and the rest of the season.
The 23-year-old, who has made 18 appearances in 2012/13, suffered a fractured right fibula in training and manager Eddie Howe admitted his absence comes as a blow.
Howe has been developing the Welshman into a defender and is excited about his prospects when he returns from injury.
The Cherries boss is hopeful that Lewis Grabban will have recovered from his bought of tonsillitis to feature at the Goldsands Stadium. The 25-year-old missed their victory over Scunthorpe on Monday.
Midfielder Eunan O'Kane is likely to start again after he starred in that victory having shaken off a foot injury he suffered on Good Friday. A combination of intensive treatment and a fear of losing his place saw O'Kane declared fit at the last minute.
Notts County will be without influential midfielder Alan Judge.
Judge, recently nominated for the League One player of the year accolade, received his 10th yellow card of the season during the 2-1 home defeat to Yeovil on Monday and will begin a two-match suspension against the title-chasing Cherries.
Magpies manager Chris Kiwomya admits they will miss the Irishman, who has scored twice in the last two games.
"He has been one of the bright sparks, but we have to adapt and go down there and give a good account of ourselves," said Kiwomya.
Joss Labadie could replace Judge in the starting line-up after he was recalled early from his loan spell at Torquay this week.
Jeff Hughes is also an option for Kiwomya while forward Francois Zoko will be hoping for a recall after starting the last four matches on the bench.
Fleetwood manager Graham Alexander has no new injury concerns.
Four games of the Cod Army's debut Football League campaign remain and victory over Keith Hill's lower mid-table dwellers would appear to be vital if they are to secure a play-off place.
Town lie three points behind Exeter in seventh having played a game more.
Andy Mangan is set to feature in the matchday squad once more having been named among the substitutes for Fleetwood's back-to-back draws against Gillingham and Southend.
Mangan recently returned from six months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.
Defender Rob Atkinson, who re-established himself as a first-team fixture under Alexander's management having spent the early part of the season on loan at Accrington, remains out due to a groin problem.
Terry Gornell could push for a return to the Rochdale starting line-up.
Former Shrewsbury forward Gornell has been sidelined with a groin problem in recent weeks but looked on from the bench as his team-mates completed a dramatic late 2-1 victory at Exeter on Easter Monday.
Joe Thompson had a positive impact as a second-half substitute against the Grecians but his second spell at Spotland was cut short on Thursday when he was recalled by parent club Tranmere to help remedy the Merseysiders' growing injury crisis.
Joe Rafferty may replace Kevin McIntyre in defence.
McIntyre was culpable when Jamie Cureton but Exeter ahead on the stroke of half-time, persuading boss Keith Hill to give the 19-year-old his first action in almost two months.
