Owen out for six weeks

Struggling Newcastle confirmed on Friday that England international striker Michael Owen will be sidelined for up to six weeks with ankle ligament damage.

Owen, who had scored 10 goals this season, limped off after just 19 minutes of Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat by Manchester City at St James’ Park.

“It’s a big blow and the injuries are mounting up,” Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear told the club website.

“Joey Barton is also missing for about 10 weeks but we have to soldier on and put out the best team we can.”