Owen to miss England games

Jenas also ruled out of squad with ankle injury

Last updated: 23rd May 2008

Michael Owen Carlsberg Newcastle United England

Owen: Laid low by virus

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Michael Owen is likely to miss England's upcoming friendlies with the United States and Trinidad & Tobago due to a virus.

The Football Association has confirmed that the Newcastle United striker has not linked up with the squad for the two end-of-season games.

Owen was among 31 players called up for the double-header by Fabio Capello earlier this month, but is now expected to sit out the matches.

With several strikers already in the squad, England coach Capello has not yet called up a replacement for Owen.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas has also been sent home from the squad due to an ankle injury.

Capello is yet to have the full squad at his disposal, with the nine players who featured in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea due to report on Saturday.

Former England captain David Beckham will join up with the squad on Sunday, a day after playing for Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS.

England play the USA next Wednesday at Wembley before travelling to the Caribbean to tackle Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday 1st June.