Ashbee, who spent six matches out due to a dip in form, has helped steer the Tigers to a four-game unbeaten run since returning to the side for last month's draw at Leeds but has been struggling with an Achilles injury.
The 34-year-old would have missed out over the weekend but the Tigers' scheduled game with QPR was postponed due to the frozen conditions and he will have had an extra seven days to recover.
Ayala, on loan from Liverpool, has also taken advantage of the postponement and is expected to shake off a hamstring injury.
Source: PA
Source: PA