Several key players including Richard Dunne and Sean St Ledger have already been ruled out of the game at the Aviva Stadium, giving O'Dea his chance.
The defender, currently on loan from Celtic, has endured an injury-hit start to his career at Portman Road, undergoing knee surgery after sustaining injury on international duty in September.
The 23 year-old has featured in Town's last two squads against Derby and Barnsley, but has yet to take to the field since his last appearance against Reading at the end of September.
O'Dea's return to fitness is a timely boost for Manager Roy Keane following the news that Gareth McAuley could be out of action for up to three weeks with an Achilles injury.
Source: PA
Source: PA