Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

No Rams return for Owen

19 Dec 2007 - 11:24:46

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Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce has ruled Michael Owen out of making a return in Saturday's clash with Derby County.

The injury-plagued striker has been out of action since suffering a thigh muscle problem in last month's England friendly against Austria.

Early estimates had suggested Owen would be fit for the visit of the rock-bottom Rams to St James' Park, but Allardyce has vowed to be patient with his fragile star.

The 28-year-old did not take part in a reserve team outing against local rivals Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

"A number of players featured in a practice game but Michael Owen was not one of them," Allardyce told the club's official website.

"The thigh strain has taken a little longer than we thought to heal and he won't be back in training until the end of the week.

"We'd hoped he would be able to play in the practice match and then against Derby, but we'll just have to be patient with him."

Meanwhile, Damien Duff did play in the match but will also not return on Saturday. The Republic of Ireland international has been sidelined since dislocating his foot in April.

"Damien played another 90 minutes and is getting stronger, but I don't think he will be involved at all against Derby at the weekend," added Allardyce.