England striker Michael Owen should be 100% fit for his country’s Euro 2008 crucial qualifying matches later this month. That’s according to Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, the specialist who operated on the striker last week. Michael Owen’s club side Newcastle United are rated as 22 to 1 chance with Bodog to win the FA Cup and Point-Spreads.com believes that could well be worth a financial interest with the club looking stronger under new boss Sam Allardyce.
The 27-year-old went to the clinic of Dr Muschaweck in Munich to find a solution to a stomach problem which could have led to a hernia. Owen is also recovering from a torn adductor muscle in his groin. Dr Muschaweck told Sky Sports: "With this type of injury after 10 to 12, a maximum of 14, days he's back into full activity. He will start training Monday or Tuesday and every day do a little bit more, and after eight to 10 days he will make a full recovery."
It was originally feared he could face up to six weeks out of action. But manager Sam Allardyce played down those anxieties on Saturday. The Newcastle manager even suggested Owen could be fit to face Everton on Sunday. Dr Muschaweck says that game is too early for a return but is confident he will be ready to feature for Steve McClaren's England side when they take on Estonia on October 13. England travel to Russia four days later. Questioned on whether Owen would be able to play for England, the doctor added: "I hope so and I think so, yes."
Muschaweck is well known in medical circles for developing the procedure undergone by Owen. It is specifically geared towards allowing a rapid return to action. The procedure reduces a natural rehabilitation period of up to three months to a matter of days, and she is adamant there should be no long-term repercussions for Owen.
"There is no problem to be expected after the operation," she said.
