Kevin Keegan has major problems with his team selection for the daunting trip to Old Trafford this weekend, as it was revealed that both Martins and Owen are likely to be ruled out of the clash.

Owen got involved in Newcastle’s midweek training session but only went through light training and was clearly struggling following a calf injury. Martins meanwhile, was absent from both training sessions this week and is also a major doubt. It is believed that his old knee injury has flared up again and he has flown overseas for treatment.

With Ameobi said to be in talks with Ipswich and Viduka and Carroll both sidelined, Alan Smith appears to be the only option up front. Even he has been involved in recent transfer speculation.

There are also doubts over the fitness of Habib Beye and Claudio Cacapa as they missed a midweek training session in which Keegan had just 12 outfield players.

Added to that, Newcastle could also be without new signing Jonas Gutierrez who is still waiting for his registration to go through following protests from his former club Real Mallorca. The Fabrizio Coloccini situation is also a mystery – with still no confirmation as to whether he has signed and will be available to Keegan. All in all then, it’s a bit of mess and not the scenario you need before a trip to United.

The moral of the story – United could well have a field day. Tevez may well miss a game this month due to the postponement of the Fulham game, but in the short-term, he looks a very strong bet. Judging by his performance in the Community Shield, he looks well and truly ready for the kick-off. The same can’t be said for Newcastle.