Cahill signed a new contract until 2012 in June

The Australian, 27, fell awkwardly on his left foot in a pre-season friendly with Werder Bremen earlier this month and has not played since.

The injury aggravated the part of his foot broken last season at Sheffield United which ruled him out for the final three months of the season.

Everton physio Mick Rathbone said: "He's walking round with no symptoms."

Cahill returned to fitness in July, featuring in three games for Australia during their Asia Cup campaign.

But his return to Premier League action was delayed by the latest injury.

It was another setback for the player, who was also out of action for eight weeks with a knee injury sustained against Aston Villa in November 2006.

But now Rathbone hopes to have him back sooner than expected.

"It's not so bad but it's also frustrating for him and Tim will be banging the door down to start running soon," Rathbone said.

"Getting him back running round isn't a problem, but getting him jumping like he does, and landing full force on the outside of his left foot, it's going to be a while before it's going to be strong enough to be able to do that.

"But again the time goes by, he gets stronger everyday."