There'll be no miracle recovery for Berba for what already amounts to a must-win qualifier for his country in Dublin on Saturday...

The latest word from the Bulgarian national team camp is that there is absolutely no way that Dimitar Berbatov will be able to take part in the World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland at Croke Park this weekend.

Rumours had been swirling that the superstar striker would somehow be able to overcome the ankle injury he picked up on the weekend, after his Manchester United team-mate John O'Shea warned his Irish colleagues to not be surprised if Berbatov suited up this Saturday.

But Bulgaria boss Stanimir Stoilov has responded to these reports, which have been gathering steam in the Emerald Isle, by discrediting them completely.

"Berbatov's leg has been immobilised, it will take him 10 to 14 days to recover," he insisted to local reporters.

"After that, he will start light training sessions. He can fly to Dublin to watch the match if the United management lets him go. Our national team doctor has received all of Berbatov's medical tests and x-rays. Hardly anybody questions his injury."

Bulgaria are desperately short up-front for a game that they simply cannot afford to lose, with Manchester City's Valeri Bojinov and Hertha Berlin's Valeri Domovchiyski both set to be sidelined as well.

- Goal.com