Scunthorpe's leading goalscorer Sam Winnall will return to contention for the home game with Rochdale following suspension.
The 11-goal striker sat out Sunday's 2-0 win at Oxford due to a one-game ban and boss Russ Wilcox must decide whether to recall him to the starting line-up.
Winnall was replaced by Hakeeb Adelakun because fellow striker Matt Godden has been ruled out for several weeks with an ankle injury, but the teenage winger was forced off at the interval after sustaining a knock and is doubtful for New Year's Day.
Midfielder Michael Collins stepped off the bench for his first appearance since the end of November following a calf injury and could start, but defender Andy Dawson remains sidelined with a hip injury.
Rochdale striker George Donnelly is hoping to make his first appearance in over two months.
Donnelly has been sidelined since the end of October with an ankle injury but returned as an unused substitute in Sunday's home win against Bristol Rovers.
Midfielder Gary Dicker is still nursing an unspecified injury after missing the last three games, but goalkeeper Josh Lillis shook off illness in time to keep a clean sheet at the weekend.
Scott Hogan is expected to resume up front after scoring his 11th goal of the season against Bristol Rovers as Dale bid for a third straight league win.
Source: PA