Vennegoor of Hesselink was knocked out in a challenge with Richard Dunne in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa and will not return to training until next week.
Gardner has not played since damaging ankle ligaments in February but he is set to start the match, possibly in place of Steven Mouyokolo, who is a slight doubt.
Dowie has said he will make changes for the KC Stadium clash and he could turn to striker Caleb Folan, who has recovered from a hip problem.
Bernard Mendy (hamstring) is also available but Dean Marney is still struggling with illness.
Kamil Zayatte, Ian Ashbee, Richard Garcia (all knee) and Stephen Hunt (foot) remain on the sidelines while Amr Zaki has returned to parent club Zamalek because of a lack of fitness.
Hull (from): Myhill, Duke, McShane, Gardner, Mouyokolo, Kilbane, Bullard, Cairney, Geovanni, Boateng, Ghilas, Olofinjana, Barmby, Altidore, Fagan, Mendy, Dawson, Sonko, Cooper, Folan.
