Craig Bellamy has had knee problems for most of his career

Wales caretaker boss Brian Flynn has confirmed captain Craig Bellamy is out of Wales' Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland in October.The on-loan Cardiff City striker has been out for three weeks with a continuation of the knee problems that have dogged his career.Cardiff boss Dave Jones said on Monday he preferred the striker to be rested. "Craig will be unavailable for the two matches next week" Flynn told BBC Sport Wales. "I had a really long, excellent conversation with Dave Jones just over 10 days ago... and we made the decision that Craig will not be available due to his fitness. "He has an ongoing knee problem and hasn't played for the last five games."Obviously we've been aware of that and unfortunately for Craig and for us he won't be able to put on a red shirt next week. It's a big disappointment for me as caretaker manager. I wanted Craig in the team but these things happen." Wales face Bulgaria at the Cardiff City Stadium on 8 October, followed by Switzerland in Basel four days later. Having already lost their opening Group G game 1-0 away to supposed minnows Montenegro earlier this month, Wales cannot afford to slip up again if they are to keep their hopes alive.That result in Podgorica saw John Toshack depart as Wales manager, with his assistant and Wales Under-21 coach Brian Flynn appointed as caretaker boss for at least these next two games. Already without Premier League players such as Aaron Ramsey and and Jack Collison because of long-term injuries, the start to Flynn's Wales reign would be further hampered by the loss of captain Bellamy.