Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson today withdrew striker Craig Bellamy from the Wales squad for the Euro 2004 qualifier in Azerbaijan on medical grounds.
The 23-year-old, who fired his side into the last 16 of the Champions League in Rotterdam last Wednesday after three weeks on the sidelines, has been told he is not fit enough to link up with the national squad.
That will come as a huge blow to both the player and national boss Mark Hughes, but United have taken the decision after being told by top American specialist Richard Steadman that Bellamy should only play one game a week as he recovers from his long-running knee problem.
"As a former national team manager, I have every sympathy with Mark Hughes," Robson said today.
"We both know that without key players, the job of an international manager is a very difficult one, and with Wales doing so well at the moment, it is doubly disappointing.
"We would have loved Craig to have been fully fit, but unfortunately it's just come too soon for him.
Hughes had requested the striker's one game for next week should be for Wales, but Robson is desperate to have him available for next Saturday's Premiership trip to Manchester United.
PA