Owen facing fitness fight for derby day match

Oct 17 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

HAVING spent an anxious day awaiting the results of Michael Owen’s hospital scan yesterday, Joe Kinnear’s thoughts today will be occupied by news of the club’s future – and his own.

Monday was supposed to be the day when Newcastle United fans would see the “real Magpies” but captain Owen will be missing from the side which takes on Manchester City and faces a race to be fit in time for the Wear-Tyne derby.

A miserable few days for 28-year-old Owen, who could only watch on television as Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney cemented their position as England’s first-choice strike partnership, were compounded when he tweaked his groin in training. The ex-Real Madrid forward was yesterday told he can expect to miss “seven to 10 days”. Newcastle’s Premier League trip to Sunderland is in eight days.

It cancelled out the generally positive injury news from St James’s Park. Habib Beye is in line for his first appearance since August against City, while Jonás Gutiérrez and Obafemi Martins’ chances of playing are rated “50-50” by their manager.

Owen pulled up in Wednesday’s training but initial fears the muscle was torn proved unfounded.

“He’s tweaked his groin,” Kinnear revealed. “I would think we’re looking at between seven and 10 days. He won’t be involved in the Man City match but has a realistic chance of the derby – about 50-50.”

When he first took over as United’s interim manager, Kinnear predicted it would take until next week before anyone saw “the real Newcastle”.

Quite apart from the psychological effect of Kevin Keegan’s departure on the squad, Kinnear had a lengthy injury list and was banned from the touchline, a hangover from his time as Nottingham Forest manager in 2004. That suspension has now expired.

“Beye is definitely back and will start. Oba Martins, we’ll make a decision on him later,” confirmed Kinnear. “He has his first training session on Wednesday and did very well. Jonás is almost there but has not had any contact on his collarbone. He looks physically fit but we

will not really know until we put him in a small-sided game.”

Kinnear hopes the uncertainty around St James’s will lift somewhat today, the deadline for firm bids for the Magpies. It has been put back once and there has been speculation as to whether any bids will be forthcoming today, but Kinnear is expecting developments. Having been asked to manage United until a new owner is found, he will take particular note.

“I will probably be in the picture better after Friday,” he said. “As far as I know from Mr (Keith) Harris, who is handling the situation, most of the offers will be coming in Friday. We will have a clearer picture then.

“They have six or seven consortia talking to them.

“I have been in regular communication with (managing director) Derek Llambias. When I say regular, I mean maybe once a week. He’s been telling me what the outlook of the club is, where we are and just clearing the air, letting everyone know exactly what is going on. I am led to believe Friday will be a big day. I think something may happen after that.”

Kinnear is not expecting Gerry Francis to take up the offer of a part-time coaching role but no alternative will be sought in the short-term.

“He is doing two days a week at Stoke and I think he is contracted with them,” said Kinnear. “I told him, ‘I wouldn’t know the length of time you would be here, mate, so there’s no chance of a contract.’ He has taken the option that suits himself. He is comfortable at Stoke and guaranteed finances.”

Robinho is expected to be fit for Monday’s game despite hobbling out of Brazil’s midweek World Cup qualifier against Colombia.