The 22-year-old was sent off against Northampton Town on August 26 and this weekend's international break has only delayed his comeback, meaning that by the time the trip to Old Trafford comes around on September 27, Cahill will not have seen any competitive action for over a month.

"I was looking forward to the break but I'm not any more," Cahill told the Manchester Evening News. "I want the games to pass so I can get back playing.

"It's been horrible. The worst time for me was the two days after the incident because I hadn't been sent-off in the league before, so it was hard to deal with.

"I just kept replaying it in my head, why I did it and what I could have done better.

"It's sunk in now and at the end of the day it's something I've got to deal with and get over."

Cahill has been working hard to maintain his fitness levels ahead of facing United.

"I've been coming in as normal with the lads and nothing changes for me in terms of training," he said.

"I just miss the day of the game so I do a bit extra with Ade the fitness coach and do some more in the gym to try and get stronger."