Owen ruled out for rest of season after Wembley pitch hits hamstring

06 March 2010 01:19
Manchester United striker Michael Owen has been ruled out for the rest of the season, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said.[LNB]United blamed the poor state of the Wembley pitch for the hamstring injury Owen picked up during the Carling Cup final last week.[LNB]The blow rules out any small chance Owen had of going to the World Cup.[LNB] Game over: Michael Owen (right) winces as he chases the ball at Wembley[LNB]'It's a bad blow - he's out for the season,' said Ferguson. 'Unfortunately it's more serious than we thought. He will be operated on on Monday morning.[LNB]'It's a terrible blow for the lad and is disappointing news for us too. He has never missed a training session all season.[LNB]'I think the heavy pitch at Wembley on Sunday made some contribution to it but really it is just bad luck.'[LNB] Seventh heaven: Michael Owen (far right) scores against Villa at Wembley[LNB]The 30-year-old, who has been struck down by a number of long-term injuries in a tumultuous career, has failed to secure first-team football since going to Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer.[LNB]Owen, who left Newcastle at the end of last season, signed a two-year deal with United worth £20,000 a week, plus more based on performances.[LNB]The former Liverpool star scored United's first after being handed a shock start in the Carling Cup final on Sunday, but was forced off in the first half after pulling up with the hamstring injury. He later joined the on-pitch celebrations after United secured a 3-1 win.[LNB] Dejection: Owen is replaced by Rooney at Wembley[LNB]England manager Fabio Capello insisted this week that Owen still had achance of going to South Africa this summer, but the striker admittedhimself that he was a 'long shot' after playing no part in theItalian's sides.[LNB]Now, after learning the extent of his injury, Owen said: 'Unfortunately the specialist says I will miss the end of the season.[LNB]'I have loved every minute of my first campaign with Manchester United and have already enjoyed some memorable moments.[LNB]'I am determined to come back at the start of next season in peak condition.'[LNB] Red Knights ride in with £1.5bn to rescue Manchester UnitedThree is the magic number for Ji-sung Park: Manchester United star eyes Treble Rio's back and determined to prove his injury problems are behind himJames Milner blasts: Wembley is even worse than a lower-league pitch!MANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail