More Bad Luck for Michael Owen

• Guardian, Wednesday, September 26, 2007 3:45 PM

Once again, Michael Owen is sidelined -- and it couldn't come at a worse time for England. Owen, whose goals helped England defeat Israel and Russia at Wembley this month in critical Euro '08 qualifying games, will miss next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia.

Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce said on Wednesday that his striker had suffered a torn thigh muscle and also had a suspected weakness in his stomach area that may require surgery. "He will be back for the first game after the England internationals at the very, very earliest," Allardyce said.

The only positive news is that Owen should be healthy for the Euro '08 finale against group leader Croatia on Nov. 21 at Wembley.

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