Newcastle´s Owen out of Tyne-Wear derby

Newcastle captain Michael Owen has been ruled out of Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby away to north-east rivals Sunderland because of a groin strain the England striker suffered in training last week.

Newcastle caretaker manager Joe Kinnear told the struggling Premier League club's official website here on Thursday: “Michael, unfortunately, will not be fit in time for Sunderland and, of course, that's a blow to lose a striker of his calibre.”

Kinnear added the former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward, whose career at St James' Park has been interrupted by several injuries, was also unlikely to play in the home match against West Brom on October 28.

“I think Tuesday's game against West Brom will also come too soon so Aston Villa in 10 days time is now the target.”

There was better news for Newcastle when the Football Association announced that defender Habib Beye was free to play at the Stadium of Light this weekend after an appeal against his red card on Monday was upheld.

The Senegal international was sent-off for a professional foul on Brazil striker Robinho in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City by referee Rob Styles.

Second-bottom Newcastle wasted no time in issuing an appeal, having seen Beye get a slight touch on the ball as he tackled Robinho just inside the box but Styles pointed to the spot and issued a red card.

“At a regulatory commission hearing today (Thursday), a claim for wrongful dismissal from Newcastle United defender Habib Beye was upheld,” an FA statement said.

“As a result, Beye's one-match suspension has been withdrawn.”

Jonas Gutierrez could also feature for Newcastle, who've won just once in the league this season and seen unpopular chairman Mike Ashley put the club up for sale after parting company with former manager and local hero Kevin Keegan, against the Black Cats.

The Argentina winger has been out of action with a shoulder injury but has now returned to training.

“I will assess him over the next 24 hours as to whether he starts from the bench or not,” said Kinnear. “I love the look of him in training and look forward to seeing him in action.”