England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Mac dismisses Owen rift

10 Oct 2007 - 08:12:19

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England head coach Steve McClaren has dismissed talk of a clash with Newcastle United over the treatment of striker Michael Owen.

The 27-year-old is set to face both Estonia and Russia in Euro 2008 qualifiers after recent surgery on a stomach muscle problem and McClaren insists the Magpies are happy with the situation,

He said: "People talk of a conflict between Newcastle, Michael and us, nothing is further from the truth.

"No risk will be taken, but Michael is a very important player to us and if Michael is fit, Michael will play."

Meanwhile, the surgeon who performed Owen's recent operation says she is content that the chances of a recurrence are very, very small.

Dr Ulrike Muschaweck commented: "The main difference to other operation techniques for the groin area is that only the defect of the posterior wall of the groin canal is opened and no sound tissue is destroyed.

"A special type of suturing is necessary, which keeps the elasticity of the abdominal wall. Therefore the training and full activity can start very early without any risk.

"The only thing stopping a quick return can be some pain which will keep the player off the field for some further days. The risk of the injury re-occurring is 0.1 per cent."