Owen boosted by X-ray on injury
Owen boosted by X-ray on injury
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Michael Owen's hopes of playing in the World Cup finals have been boosted after an X-ray on his foot revealed "no damage", according to a specialist.
The Newcastle striker made a 30-minute comeback at Birmingham but said he was "not 100% happy" with his foot.
A Newcastle spokesman said: "Michael had various tests early on Sunday and the results were positive.
"The specialist said it was normal to feel some pain in the first couple of games back after an injury like this."
After the game Owen had told the News of the World: "My foot does not feel right. I felt something go after 10 minutes. I don't know how serious it is but it's not perfect."
Owen limped off at the final whistle complaining of discomfort.
"I can't say I've rushed back too soon," added Owen. "I've been in full training all week and was fully prepared to play a full part against Birmingham.
It's not the case where he will be ruled out for two, three or four weeks, it's just that he doesn't feel it's 100% right
Glenn Roeder on Michael Owen
"Is it pain? I don't know how to explain it. There is a numbness there.
"It is obviously not ideal. As far as the World Cup is concerned it is much too early to say. I'm not going to panic."
Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder also refused to be despondent following the setback over Owen.
He told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "There was no sign on the pitch that he wasn't feeling good.
"But it's not the case where he will be ruled out for two, three or four weeks, it's just that he doesn't feel it's 100% right.
"At this stage there's no need to be hysterical and say he's going to miss the World Cup.
"He's very close to being 100% but he's not quite there yet."
Meanwhile, England and Chelsea centre-back John Terry also picked up an injury in his side's 3-0 win over Manchester United but he soldiered on until the end of the game - in which the Blues clinched the Premiership title.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said after the match that Terry had taken a kick to the shin but it was not serious.
"Wayne Rooney's tackle on John Terry was a very nasty one but he will have 10 stitches and be ready in one week," said Mourinho.
United right-back Gary Neville also appeared to be hobbling and may yet develop into another concern for England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.
And fellow full-back Wayne Bridge, who is on loan at Fulham from Chelsea, is playing on, despite struggling with a tight hamstring.
