Shaun Goater has almost certainly ruled himself out of Manchester City's clash with his former side Rotherham United at the weekend.

The Bermudian, the leading scorer in all four divisions in England, limped off during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Portsmouth.

Goater played a part in Darren Huckerby's first-half goal, setting flying winger Ali Bernabia away so he was able to cross for the former Leeds and Coventry star to fire home.

However, shortly after he injured himself trying to collect a pass and City went down to a second-half fightback by Pompey, Lee Bradbury and Peter Crouch securing the points for the south coast side.

"I was going full speed forward and, as I tried to cut back to receive a pass, my leg gave way. I slipped, and my groin took the full force of it," Goater said. "Normally I am someone who feels that they can jog injuries off but on this occasion I knew I couldn't do that so I came off."

The striker told reporters straight after the game that he felt he would be able to return to action next weekend, but yesterday he revealed to The Royal Gazette that that was now doubtful.

"You are always optimistic with there being a whole week to go," he said. "But the physiotherapist does not think I'll be fit not only for Saturday but also for the following Wednesday. We will just have to wait and see."

He went on: "Right now, no way would I make it. But I have been in situations that I have felt on a Thursday I was not going to be fit for the Saturday, but then you go home, go to sleep and 24 hours later it is amazing how you can feel or how much it heals and you are able to be selected for the team.

"Obviously we are talking a greater period of time (in this instance) but right now it doesn't feel as if it will be right for Saturday."

The Rotherham game is one that on paper City could play without the presence of Goater. The Millers are eighth from bottom of the Division while City are ninth from top and with Huckerby in hot form the odds on winning should be in their favour.

However, they face Blackburn Rovers of the Premiership in the Worthington Cup just four days later and 20-goal Goater will certainly be missed if he does not make the starting line-up.

The player said he would know in his own mind whether he was match fit or not and he would carefully consider what the physiotherapist said.

"I will take what the physio says on board because he has seen it all," he said. "I would not mind missing one (league) game to make sure I am ready for the remainder."