The 31-year-old left-hander missed the first two matches in the series and could be doubtful for the fourth and final Test at The Oval.
England, who lead the series 2-0, have named a squad of 13 players for the Old Trafford Test, which starts on Thursday.
"Regretfully for Mark, he is still struggling with his thigh and he is unavailable for this Test match," England chairman of selectors David Graveney told the BBC on Sunday.
"I suppose to be realistic, he might be struggling for The Oval as well."
In Butcher's absence, Robert Key retains his place while Worcestershire off spinner Gareth Batty has been brought into the squad and could play alongside slow left-armer Ashley Giles.
"Recent matches (at Old Trafford) show that there has been a bit of spin involved and hopefully the weather will be dry and sunny," Graveney added.
"We have taken an extra spinner there in the past -- sometimes we have played him, sometimes we haven't.
FINAL DECISION
"We'll make a final decision on Tuesday."
Batty, 26, has played just five Tests for England, the most recent against West Indies in Antigua in April.
All rounder Andrew Flintoff, fast becoming the world's most exciting cricketer, appears close to a full recovery after suffering from an ankle bone spur.
"I spoke to him and he said it's fine," said Graveney. "However, we'll obviously monitor the number of overs he bowls and Michael has already said that.
"That is quite a key element in terms of whether or not Gareth Batty plays because Freddie (Flintoff) becomes the third seamer."
England, ranked the second-best Test side in the world after a run of eight victories in the last nine matches, crushed West Indies by 210 runs in the series opener at Lord's before winning the Edgbaston match by 256 runs.
England squad for Old Trafford: Michael Vaughan (captain), Marcus Trescothick, Robert Key, Andrew Strauss, Graham Thorpe, Andrew Flintoff, Geraint Jones, Ashley Giles, Simon Jones, Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, James Anderson, Gareth Batty.
