Spurs Away: Owen Breaks Foot/Given Thumb Injury

By Matt Jones
December 31 2005

Just our luck! 26-year-old Newcastle United and England striker Michael Owen has broken a bone in his foot and will face several months on the sidelines. The incident happened during Newcastle's 2-0 defeat at White Hart Land on New Year's Eve.

Owen, who signed for the Magpies' in August from Real Madrid for £17m, has fractured his fifth metatarsal - news which will be a massive blow for manager Graeme Souness and Toon fans alike.

England fans need not worry however, with Owen at this stage being no doubt for the World Cup finals in Germany.

Graeme Souness said: "It's a mighty blow. It's an absolute disaster for him and an absolute disaster for the club. It's a dark day for us."

Assistant manager Alan Murray added: "It (The injury) might have to be pinned which will prolong the recovery. We're hoping that it won't have to be but we will have to have a look when it settles down.

"We're looking at eight to 10 weeks if things go well, longer if they don't.

"We've been riding along between 14th and 10th for most of the season and if you lose somebody with Michael's goalscoring ability it's a blow to anybody and something we could well do without."

And if this news wasn't bad enough, goalkeeper Shay Given suffered a suspected broken thumb during the same game - although the seriousness of this injury is still unclear.

Souness added: "Shay has had one x-ray already but there is still a great deal of swelling."

Peter Ramage was also lost during the game, with an Achilles injury.