England squared the series up at 1-1 with a commanding innings-and-76-run victory in the Third Test in Leeds earlier this week.
India had dominated the first two Tests, with England’s Leeds result representing a turn in momentum but Buttler’s absence is a major loss.
The gloveman is unavailable due to the expected arrival of his second child, with Sam Billings called up as cover, while Jonny Bairstow will likely take the gloves.
In positive news, fast bowler Chris Woakes is in contention to return after being out with a heel injury for the first three Tests of the series.
“It is very pleasing that we have Chris Woakes returning to the Test squad,” England coach Chris Silverwood said.
“He has bowled well over the past week with Warwickshire without any real concerns with his heel injury.
“He is an asset we have been missing both with the ball and his ability to score runs in the middle order. We are looking forward to seeing him prepare at The Oval as we go into back-to-back Tests.”
Woakes comes into England’s 15-man squad for the Fourth Test, while India weigh up their options.
India captain Virat Kohli has already hinted at possible changes although that’s likely to the bowling attack, despite a poor first innings batting display in Leeds.
“That’s bound to happen as it’s a logical and sensible thing to do,” Kohli said when asked about rotating his bowlers given the congested schedule.
“We don’t want to push individuals to a place where they break down and that conversation is important.
“We will have that conversation with individuals and you can’t expect that in a short turnaround like these guys can play four Test matches in a row.
“We will assess who are the guys who will be given that many number of days to recover and be okay for the fifth one.”
Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin appears likely to come into the side to replace Ishant Sharma.