Source: SKY_Sports
Shearer awaits Owen scan
Alan Shearer may have to do without the services of Michael Owen for Newcastle United's crucial clash against Aston Villa.
The striker missed the devastating 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham on Saturday after he failed a fitness test due to a slight groin strain.
The 29-year-old is set to have scans to reveal the extent of the injury on Monday to determine whether he will play any part at Villa Park on Sunday.
The Magpies find themselves needing to avoid defeat against Villa and hope that Hull City lose at home to Manchester United if they are to avoid the drop.
Toon boss Shearer is hoping that defender Jose Enrique could return after missing the team's last three games with a thigh problem.
"Michael Owen tweaked his groin and had a fitness test, which didn't last very long," Shearer told the Chronicle.
"We'll get him scanned on Monday, so we'll know the results Monday afternoon. Jose's a possibility too. We'll see where we go from there."
In there fightingDespite his side staring relegation in the face, Shearer remains up the fight and admits that it is his job to lift the players' heads after the shattering defeat to Fulham.
"We're obviously bitterly disappointed but we live to fight another day and I'm sure there's going to be more twists and turns on Sunday afternoon," he added.
"Everyone's heads are down at this moment in time, but we'll come in Monday and pick them up.
"It's not impossible. I always felt it would go to the last day - I said that when I came in. We're still in there fighting and in with a chance.
"All I know is that it'll be a long afternoon. It'll be very
nervous, but we're in the hat, and we're in there fighting, which is the main thing."
