Source: Daily_Mail
Owen shock as Hughton drops Newcastle striker for key battle
Michael Owen has been dropped for Arsenal's visit to Newcastle United today.[LNB]Caretaker manager Chris Hughton has taken the controversial decision to leave out the former England striker and play Nigeria international Obafemi Martins up front on his own against the Gunners at St James' Park in this evening's televised game.[LNB] Dropped: Michael Owen[LNB] NEWCASTLE v Arsenal: Nolan returns as strugglers host Gunners[LNB]HATCHET MAN: Here's Jonny... Well, Michael Owen actually but the Newcastle striker is just as fragile[LNB]Recovering Newcastle boss Kinnear targets Spurs return after heart surgery[LNB] Owen only returned to the side last week for the 1-1 draw at Hull City after a two-month lay-off with an ankle injury but he failed to make much impact at the KC Stadium.[LNB]He is still hoping to catch the eye of England coach Fabio Capello before the end of the season to reclaim his England place, but has been left on the bench for this fixture.[LNB]This is a crucial game for Newcastle as they battle to move away from the relegation places. There was talk on Tyneside last night of a bust-up between Owen, Hughton and his fellow caretaker coach Colin Calderwood, but this was denied by the club and Owen's advisers last night.[LNB]Martins, himself, is only just back from a lengthy spell out with injury but Hughton has chosen the former Inter Milan striker to lead the line, with Alan Smith expected to play a key midfield role.[LNB]Hughton's decision comes against a backdrop of relegation rival Sam Allardyce warning his old club they could pay the ultimate price for failing to replace Joe Kinnear.[LNB]Warning: Allardyce[LNB]The Blackburn Rovers boss sees leaving Hughton and Calderwood in charge as a mistake that could cost them their Premier League place. [LNB]'What you need above all in their situation is a manager,' he said. [LNB]'Nothing against Chris or Colin, but all the Newcastle players know they are not the manager. I sincerely hope Joe makes a full recovery, but, while he is away, they really need someone at the helm.[LNB]'At this stage of the season and in this sort of situation, your manager is absolutely crucial. When you are down near the bottom, you need a leader like never before.'[LNB] NEWCASTLE v Arsenal: Nolan returns as strugglers host Gunners[LNB]HATCHET MAN: Here's Jonny... Well, Michael Owen actually but the Newcastle striker is just as fragile[LNB]Recovering Newcastle boss Kinnear targets Spurs return after heart surgery[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]
