Avram Grant will miss the match that could decide his West Ham United future.
The Daily Star says he will miss his side's crucial bottom-of-the-table clash at Stoke to observe the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.
And West Ham must also do without Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim for the same season as he takes part in 25 hours of fasting and prayer over the course of the weekend.
Boss Grant only took charge at Upton Park in June but is already under massive pressure after the club made their worst ever start to a season.
Four consecutive defeats against Aston Villa, Bolton, Manchester United and Chelsea have left the Hammers rooted to the foot of the table.
Grant desperately needs a win at fellow strugglers Stoke on Saturday to cling on to his job.
