Fears that VfB Stuttgart striker Ioan Ganea could miss the UEFA Cup third-round tie against Clube Brugge KV next week have eased after tests on the Romanian international's suspected broken jaw.

Pletikosa clash
Ganea had been expected to miss the first-leg match at the Jan Breydelstadion after taking a heavy blow to the face in a collision with goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa during yesterday's friendly defeat by Croatia.

Ganea stitched up
However, the 29-year-old has declared himself fit following medical treatment today in Stuttgart. Rather than have surgery on his jaw, Ganea had three damaged teeth fixed in a brace and stitches put into his chin.

Dental problems
"Three teeth have been affected, but my feet are OK and I earn my money with them," Ganea said. "We have some important games coming up and if the coach, Felix Magath, needs me, I can score goals for him. I cannot afford to miss games." Stuttgart face Hannover 96 in the 1. Bundesliga on Saturday before next Thursday's trip to Bruges.

Facing the future
The former FC Universitatea Craiova and FC Rapid Bucuresti forward will wear the brace for a fortnight. He will then have to use another form of protection on his face to guard against further injury.