The centre-half, who made the 11-mile journey across south-east London to join the Addicks in the summer, suffered an ankle injury in the FA Cup defeat at Sheffield United on Saturday and is rated doubtful.
Another ex-Eagle, midfielder Tom Soares, should return to the starting line-up having been cup-tied at the weekend.
Graeme Murty and Matthew Spring were also ineligible at Bramall Lane and will be added to the squad while Therry Racon returned after a two-month lay-off with a knee injury as a late substitute and will push for a start.
China international Zheng Zhi is therefore the only injury absentee, and he could be back in a fortnight having recovered from a foot injury.
Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock will consider his defensive options ahead of the trip.
Warnock stuck with his back four following the recent 4-1 defeat by Ipswich, but the Eagles were then dumped out of the FA Cup 4-3 at Watford on Saturday.
Clint Hill could move across into the centre in place of either Matt Lawrence or Jose Fonte, with Danny Butterfield or Lee Hills stepping in at left-back.
Former Charlton centre-half Paddy McCarthy is still missing as he recovers from a shoulder operation.
Ben Watson has completed his move to Wigan so Shaun Derry, Neil Danns and John Oster could form the three-man midfield once more, although Nick Carle will push for a start after being left on the bench at Vicarage Road.
Alan Lee faces competition from Shefki Kuqi in attack.