SINGAPORE - Former Manchester United star Paul Scholes will not be playing in the Battle of Europe 2016 match between England Masters and Germany Masters due to a bad chest infection.

Scholes, who was due to arrive in Singapore tonight (Nov 11), is not fit for travel and will not feature in the friendly game at the National Stadium tomorrow evening.

"I'm really sorry to let the fans in Singapore down. I've been looking forward to playing in the stadium and meeting the fans, so this is disappointing," the 41-year-old said.

"I am susceptible to infections, and my main focus now is to get my health in order. I look forward to the next opportunity where I can meet fans in Singapore."

Steve Black, chief executive of organisers Masters Football Asia, said that it is a pity that Scholes could not play but he is nevertheless looking forward to a great game.

"It is unfortunate that Paul Scholes is unable to join us in Singapore and we wish him a speedy recovery. The players have been meeting the fans over the past few days and are absolutely raring to go. We are looking forward to a great game tomorrow," he said.

The meet-and-greet session scheduled for tomorrow, 11am, will still proceed as planned. It will be held at Courts Megastore, Tampines and fans will get a chance to meet 10 stars - Teddy Sheringham, David James, Emile Heskey, Fredi Bobic, Guido Buchwald, Darren Anderton, Michael Gray, Carlton Palmer, Darius Vassell and Lee Hendrie.

Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman, who will also be playing in the match, said: "We urge the fans to come down and watch the game. There are lots of fantastic players and it'll be a wonderful competition, so please come along and have a good time!"