Finally it seems we have some clarity with regards to the Owen injury situation. Owen has a abductor muscle tear which could well lead to a hernia. The England man is likely to go under the knife later this week and will face at least 3-weeks on the sidelines. Allardyce has commented that he will not rush Owen back and a return on October 22 against Spurs is the earliest possible target date.
This all comes as a blow to McClaren of course and to any Fantasy Manager who lept on the Owen bandwagon off the back of his mini-goal rush. The absence does however open the door once more for Obafemi Martins who started the season so brightly with a brace at Bolton. With Ameobi also nursing a groin injury suffered against Arsenal last night and Viduka’s fitness hardly ever assured, Martins should now figure in Newcastles forthcoming games against City, Everton and Spurs.