The American will sit out the indoor world championships in Birmingham next month as he looks to recover for the outdoor season.

There is better news for British number one Dwain Chambers, who will run in Birmingham at the Norwich Union Grand Prix on Friday after visiting hamstring specialist Dr Hans Muller Wolfhart in Germany.

Maurice Greene had a poor season in 2002

Wolfhart is the man who looks after Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard.

Chambers' manager John Regis said: "There's no danger of Dwain not running at the NIA on Friday, we just want him to be as prepared as he can possibly be.

"It's a vital year for Dwain and we will do everything we can to make sure he's on top form.

"Dr Wolfhart is the leading specialist in his field and if it's good enough for Michael Owen, it's good enough for Dwain"

Four-time Olympic silver medallist Frankie Fredericks will also be competing on Friday.

I feel very confident that this year will prove to be a spectacular one for me Injured sprinter Maurice Green

He will make his 2003 debut in a world-class 60m field that includes Tim Harden, Chambers and Allen Johnson.

Despite picking up an injury during a meeting in Arkansas on Saturday, Greene was upbeat when he spoke to reporters two days later.

"I felt a slight pull towards the end of the race," said the world indoor 60m record holder.

"It didn't feel like much at the time, but by the end of the night, it had become much worse.

"I'm disappointed that I will not be able to continue my indoor season, but I want to concentrate on getting healthy and accomplishing my goals for outdoors.

"My fitness level is so far above what it was last year, and overall my body is the healthiest it has ever been."

"I feel very confident that this year will prove to be a spectacular one for me."