The chances of a summer showdown between joint 100m record holders Asafa Powell and Justin Gatlin are fading, according to Powell’s agent Paul Doyle.
American sprinter Gatlin has not raced since June because of injuries, leaving Powell to sweep all before him.
Doyle told BBC Sport: "Every day the injury stays with Justin the less likely it is they will race.
“We are still hopeful it will happen at some stage and Brussels (25 August) is favourite - but we cannot control it.”
Gatlin and Powell have both equalled the world record of 9.77 seconds this season but have yet to meet on the track.
The last time the pair faced each other was at last year’s London Grand Prix. Jamaican star Powell won this year’s London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace on Friday.
The pair had been contracted to meet on British soil at both Gateshead and London but Gatlin, the Olympic and World champion, withdrew from both events.
It now seems likely that Doyle and Gatlin’s agent Renaldo Nehemiah will target one of the three remaining Golden League meetings in Zurich, Brussels and Berlin.
“We want the race to have the right facilities, the right crowd and the right media coverage behind it,” said Doyle.
"Outside of the Golden Leagues there are not too many opportunities for that.
"I can understand that fans would be frustrated if they don’t get to see the race this year but it doesn’t mean they won’t get to see it next season.
"The anticipation has given everyone something to talk about and the excitement has built up for next year.
“It is not ‘yes or no’ for this season but the person to ask is Justin Gatlin because he’s the only one who knows how his body is feeling and if he can get over the injury.”
Powell himself remains nonplussed on the issue and continues to insist: “I’m here and running and I’m ready but I’m not Justin so don’t have the answer.”
