Ireland international consultant Sir Bobby Robson today revealed he is to undergo brain surgery to remove a brain tumour.
The 73-year-old was taken ill while watching Ipswich two weeks ago and was suspected to have suffered a stroke.
Extensive tests carried out since have revealed a "very small tumour", believed to be the size of a grape, which will be removed on Wednesday. He is expected to make a full recovery.
The FAI today said Robson will not be travelling to Germany for the opening match of the Euro 2008 qualifiers.
"Our next match, following Germany, is on October 7th away to Cyprus and obviously the situation will be clearer following Bobby's surgery, which we all hope will be a complete success", a spokesman said.
The former England manager said: "The tumour is in my brain, which sounds bad, but it is in a position where it can be removed easily and it's extremely small — the size of a grape — which indicates they have caught it early.
"Apart from the funny turn at the match I have felt great, so it's a bit annoying that I have to go into hospital again.
"Having successfully fought cancer three times, I am confident of getting through this as well."
The Co Durham-born footballing statesman, who went on to manage his boyhood heroes Newcastle, had a golf ball-sized tumour removed from a lung in May.
In 1995 he was discovered to have a rare form of skin cancer behind an eye, and underwent complex surgery which left him needing a rubber plug in his mouth. Three years before that he survived bowel cancer.
Robson took England to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup. He went on to manage with great success across Europe, before ending his club career at Newcastle United.
A spokeswoman thanked his fans for their good wishes. In a statement, she said: "Since being taken ill at Ipswich Town Football Club on 5th August, Sir Bobby Robson has undergone extensive tests to determine the cause of the problem.
"Sir Bobby has been diagnosed with a very small tumour on his brain and will undergo surgery this week to remove it. He is in good spirits and his doctors anticipate a complete recovery.
"Sir Bobby would like to take this opportunity of thanking the many well wishers who have inquired about his health."