Michael Owen and José Enrique in a race to be fit for Villa trip

May 20 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

THE chances of Michael Owen and José Enrique playing a role in Newcastle United’s final game of the season remain in the balance – even though both are set to return to full training before the end of the week.

And it was confirmed last night that the optimistic appeal against Sebastien Bassong’s two-match suspension for being sent off against Fulham has been thrown out by the Football Association.

United revealed yesterday that a scan on Owen’s hamstring injury revealed no long-term damage, but the striker is not expected back in training until later in the week, and may have to settle for a place on the bench for Sunday’s crucial trip to Aston Villa.

Similarly Enrique, now back in training, is still not fully recovered from his hamstring injury and is still feeling “stiff”.

The more cautious injury bulletin has been posted by United number two Iain Dowie – who in a separate development that may have serious repercussions for the club, has also warned supporters not to “presume” that boss Alan Shearer is definitely taking over in the long-term in the summer. It has been widely reported that Shearer is set to agree a permanent deal to become United’s new boss but the man himself continues to bat away questions about his long-term future while the relegation dispute is yet to be resolved.

Some have read his apparent long-term planning, which has included an overhaul of the disciplinary system, to be a sign that he is in it for the duration.

However, Dowie does not feel that is certain to be the case. Both of their contracts run out on Monday.

“I have said from the first minute we got here that we have taken decisions that are right from the long-term of this football club, and I think maybe that has been perceived as we’re staying for the long-term but I don’t think that’s the case,” Dowie told The Journal.

“Alan came to me and said ‘It’s an eight-week job’.

“As far as I’m aware that eight weeks ends on Monday, nothing’s changed – although it will be a matter for Alan to sit down and talk about it if that’s what he wants to do.