Slade must find a replacement for Anthony Pilkington after the Republic of Ireland wideman suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win at Watford which will rule him out for the next three to four weeks.
Central defender Bruno Ecuele Manga is also out with a knee problem and Slade said midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi is sidelined "well into the new year" after further injury setbacks this week.
Spanish central defender Juan Cala had his Cardiff contract terminated by mutual consent on Wednesday after criticising the club for making him train at the academy rather than with the first-team squad.
Rotherham will be without injured defender Kirk Broadfoot after he was ruled out of action for three weeks after fracturing his collarbone in last week's home draw with Blackpool.
Recent loan signing Scott Wootton could switch to central defence after making his debut at right-back against Blackpool.
Fellow defender Frazer Richardson returned to full training this week and is expected to be included in the squad after a groin problem kept him out last Saturday.
Midfielder Lee Frecklington is expected to overcome a knock sustained while playing for the reserves in midweek, while Alex Revell, Jordan Bowery and Jonson Clarke-Harris are all chasing a start up front.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-Head
• This is the first meeting since a 2-2 draw at Rotherham in the Championship in November 2004.
• Cardiff are unbeaten in the last four meetings, winning two. Rotherham's last win was 1-0 at home in the old Division Three in March 1999.
• Rotherham have won only one of the last eight meetings at Cardiff. Their only win there since 1986 was 1-0 in the old Division Three in August 1998.
Cardiff
• Cardiff are unbeaten in their last three games, winning the last two. Their last defeat was 3-0 at Bolton on 4 November.
• Cardiff have won their last five home games, scoring 12 goals and conceding five.
Rotherham
• Rotherham have not won any of their last seven games, losing three. Their last win was 2-1 against Leeds at home on 17 October.
• Rotherham have won only one of their 10 away games in all competitions this season. Their only win on the road was 1-0 at Millwall in the Championship on 23 August.
Source: PA