But he is likely to have top scorer Papiss Cisse available after Senegal's earlier-than-expected elimination from the African Nations Cup.
Cisse was heading back to the north-east via charter flights on Friday and barring delays Carver was expecting to be in a position to name him in his squad for the KC Stadium clash.
"He is hugely important," acknowledged Carver. "We were 2-0 down against Hull earlier this season and he came on and got the two goals.
"He's our top goalscorer and the only way you are going to win football matches is having your top goalscorer around."
Carver may also be able to call on Gabriel Obertan and Mehdi Abeid who have recovered from thigh and toe injuries respectively, although the game is likely to come too early for Dutchman Siem De Jong.