The Norwich centre-half was suspended for the 4-2 home victory over Leeds on Boxing Day - Sean O'Driscoll's final match as manager.
Former Aston Villa and Birmingham boss McLeish - installed as O'Driscoll's successor the following day - started work on Friday and will oversee his new side's second successive match at the City Ground.
The Scot will be without on-loan Chelsea defender Sam Hutchinson (knee) and borrowed Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas (calf).
Victory for Forest combined with favourable results elsewhere would see them finish 2012 in a npower Championship play-off spot.
