Cahill is rated 50-50 after two games out with a knee problem while Osman suffered a rib injury in the midweek Carling Cup loss to Brentford.

Full-back Tony Hibbert is also unlikely to feature at Craven Cottage due to a groin strain.

Forwards Louis Saha (calf) and Victor Anichebe (knee) both remain on the sidelines while Jack Rodwell (ankle) is out long term.

Provisional squad: Howard, Neville, Distin, Jagielka, Cahill, Fellaini, Pienaar, Osman, Arteta, Beckford, Bilyaletdinov, Gueye, Heitinga, Coleman, Yakubu, Barkley, Mustafi, Silva, Baxter, Mucha.