Newcastle United Football Club News

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

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

Owen under the knife again

23 Feb 2009 - 09:00:11

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Newcastle United have revealed that Michael Owen has undergone a minor groin operation during his latest injury lay-off with an ankle problem.

Owen has been out of action since picking up the ankle ligament problem in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on January 28.

But speaking after Sunday's goalless draw with Everton in which Owen watched on from the St James' Park stands, caretaker manager Chris Hughton revealed the injury-plagued striker had also gone under the knife to correct a groin problem.

However despite the latest procedure, Hughton expects the England striker to be back in action within the original mid-March time-frame for his ankle injury.

"It hasn't hindered or increased the time he's going to be out. We're hoping he'll be training within a week," he said.

"He has had a minor - very minor - groin repair which came in line with the period of time he is out with his ankle."