Newcastle United Football Club News

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

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

Sam fears the worst

18 Nov 2007 - 13:54:04

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Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce fears that Michael Owen will be unable to play for the club again this year after the striker limped out of England's 1-0 friendly win in Austria on Friday with a thigh injury.

The injury-plagued 27-year-old has started only 21 games for the Magpies since moving to the north-east from Real Madrid in August 2005 and Allardyce is unimpressed with the latest development.

"While we don't want to prejudge how long Michael will be out, our assessment is four to six weeks and it's so disappointing it has left us gutted," said the former Bolton Wanderers boss.

"This assessment is after our people were in touch with the England medical team.

"To tell the truth, it looks about six weeks but we'll be hoping to get this speeded up a bit.

"We've told England we want Michael back here as soon as possible so he can have his scan and start his treatment."