Owen has comeback in sight
Tyne, England (Sports Network) - Newcastle striker Michael Owen took a step in the right direction on Thursday, taking the practice field for the first time since breaking a bone in his right foot on New Years Eve.
"Michael as I understand having listened to Derek Wright, put his boots on this morning and did some running with his football boots on," said Newcastle caretaker boss Glenn Roeder. "He did a very little bit of ball work as well, and after the session he was very happy."
The 26-year-old Owen was originally expected to miss eight to 10 weeks after having a metal pin placed in his foot. However, Owen needed a second operation in March and his comeback was put on hold.
Not only did the second operation delay his return to the Premiership, but more importantly, it was feared that Owen would be forced to watch the World Cup this summer in Germany from his living room.
With the latest progress report, Owen is expected to be fit before the end of the Premiership season, making him a real possibility to make Sven-Goran Eriksson's England roster.
Eriksson must finalize his roster by May 15, and England's first match of the World Cup is on June 10, against Paraguay.
As for Newcastle, it has five league games remaining to post a winning record. As of now, the Magpies sit in the middle of the table, one match under .500.
"I'm confident he will play for Newcastle before the end of the season," said Roeder.
![[Nike Don't Tread on Me Ball]](/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/images01/11946.gif){kind=small}
![[Nike Brasil Ronaldinho T-Shirt]](/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/images01/110660.gif){kind=small}
![[2006 FIFA World Cup™ Trading Cards]](/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/images01/8761.gif){kind=small}
![[adidas England World Cup Nations at Play T-Shirt]](/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/images01/525574.gif){kind=small}
![[adidas 2006 FIFA World Cup™ Italy Fan Jersey]](/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/images01/503272.gif){kind=small}
![[adidas 2006 Teamgeist FIFA World Cup™ Official Match Ball]](/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/images01/948709.gif){kind=small}
