Newcastle United FC

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Owen loses derby fitness race

23 Oct 2008 - 14:43:26

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Newcastle United will definitely be without Michael Owen for Saturday's derby clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Owen was facing a race against time to be fit for the first Wear-Tyne derby of the season after picking up a groin injury during training last week.

The striker missed Monday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester City and has now been ruled out of facing the Black Cats by interim manager Joe Kinnear.

Owen, whose time on Tyneside has been blighted by a series of injury problems, is also likely to miss next Tuesday's meeting with West Bromwich Albion.

"Michael, unfortunately, will not be fit in time for Sunderland and, of course, that's a blow to lose a striker of his calibre," Kinnear told the club's official website.

"I think Tuesday's game against West Brom will also come too soon so Aston Villa in ten days' time is now the target."

Elsewhere, Argentina winger Jonas Gutierrez has been given until Friday to prove he is fully recovered from a dislocated shoulder before Kinnear names his squad for the short trip to the Stadium of Light.

"As far as Gutierrez is concerned, I would say he is 50-50," added Kinnear.

"However, we are prepared to give him every chance."