Owen return on hold

Striker unlikely to make comeback against Bolton

By James Dall   Last updated: 20th August 2008

Michael Owen

Owen: Not yet fit

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has admitted that Michael Owen is unlikely to be fit for Saturday's Premier League encounter against Bolton Wanderers.

England international Owen has struggled for fitness over the summer after developing mumps and then picking up a calf problem.

Owen missed the Magpies' season opener at Manchester United as Keegan's side came away with an excellent 1-1 draw.

The striker had been expected to return to feature at the weekend versus the Trotters, but Keegan is reluctant to rush Owen's comeback to the first team.

He said in the Evening Chronicle: "Michael probably won't be fit, and Mark Viduka certainly won't be.

"I probably could rush Michael back, and then knock him back five or six weeks.

"And we're probably strong enough to do without the two of them. But when they come back, it'll give us a massive boost.