The central defender, who missed the majority of Derby's pre-season campaign with a calf injury, was substituted late on in Tuesday's Carling Cup loss against Shrewsbury Town with a stiff back.
With fellow defenders Shaun Barker, Jake Buxton, Russell Anderson and Dean Leacock already sidelined by injury, Clough's options at the heart of his defence are limited to summer signing Shackell and youngster Mark O'Brien.
Chris Riggott, who yesterday signed a one-year deal with the Rams, is still working his way to full fitness after an injury-hit last year and is not yet in consideration for a first-team place.
Clough expects stand-in skipper Shackell, who scored Derby's first goal of the season against Birmingham City last weekend, to be available for the trip to Vicarage Road.
"Jason's back seized up a bit in the second half against Shrewsbury so we thought it was best to get him off before it got any worse," he said.
"He actually felt it in the Birmingham game, but had to patch him up and get him out there like we have had to do with a few of the lads of late.
"We can't afford to have any more injuries at the back so with a bit of treatment and knowing the character Jason it, he'll be fine for Saturday."
Anderson, who suffered a groin strain on the opening day of the season, is expected to be sidelined for around three weeks after receiving the results of a scan he had on his groin on Monday.
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