Cahill was forced to leave the field after just 10 minutes in last Saturday's 1-1 draw against West Ham United.

The attacking midfielder then missed Australia's midweek international against China.

News of Cahill's absence comes as a blow to manager David Moyes and his squad with a crucial Merseyside derby against fourth-placed Liverpool on Sunday at Anfield.

troublesome injury

"He has a broken foot and I wouldn't expect him to play again this season," said Moyes.

The 28-year-old has been in impressive form since he returned from his troublesome injury last November, netting 10 goals for David Moyes' side.

Cahill first suffered a fractured metatarsal last March.