09/10/2003

Another blow for England: Owen fails to shrug off injury

The England team has been hit with another blow ahead of their crucial European championship qualifier against Turkey this Saturday, following the withdrawal of Liverpool's Michael Owen through injury.

The FA confirmed today that the striker had not recovered from the shin injury he picked up against Arsenal at the weekend and will not now travel with the squad when it heads for Istanbul this afternoon.

The FA's Head of Media Relations, Adrian Bevington, said: "Over the last three days he has received constant treatment from the England medical team, who have been in constant dialogue with the medical team at Liverpool.

"While Michael has made good progress, he will not be fit enough to take part in Saturday's match and so he will return to his club for future treatment."

England have found it difficult finding the net lately and the absence of a proven goalscorer of Owen's ability will leave the team lacking crucial firepower. The Liverpool No 10 has been in sparkling form for his club so far this season, having netted seven times in eight games.

His omission leaves England coach Sven Goran Eriksson with a headache of who will lead the line against Turkey. The Swede must now consider who gets the nod out of Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney, James Beattie and Darius Vassell. Man Utd's Paul Scholes can also boost the attack by playing in behind the strikers.

Preparation has not gone well for the English side following the row over Rio Ferdinand's missed drugs test – and the reported threat by players to boycott the game in support of the Man Utd centre-half.

However, the FA confirmed last night that the squad would travel and Chelsea's John Terry is expected to start the match beside Sol Campbell.

(gmcg)

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