Blues boss Steve Bruce has confirmed that the Blues skipper will start the game at Roots Hall in what will be his first senior game since he suffered a fractured jaw in the 2-0 home win against West Brom at the end of October.
Also back in the starting line-up will be striker DJ Campbell who comes in for the suspended Cameron Jerome.
Seb Larsson also misses the game at Roots Hall as he, like Jerome, serves a one game ban for picking up five yellow cards this season.
Elsewhere, Stephen Clemence faces a late fitness test on a hamstring strain he sustained during training this week.
