Newcastle captain Michael Owen is set to miss his side's opening Premier League match at Manchester United on Sunday, according to manager Kevin Keegan.

Owen, 28, has missed Newcastle's entire pre-season programme due to a calf problem and a bout of mumps.

The England striker has returned to training but, although Keegan is already without injured forwards Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka, the Newcastle boss doesn't want to risk Owen's long-term fitness by rushing him back too quickly.

"Michael is back in training but I think to be honest Manchester United will come a bit early," Keegan told www.nufc.co.uk.

"It's no good trying to kid people. He just need a week in with the group doing all the things he needs to do and we're not going into that into him now so I think it's very, very doubtful.

"It would be crazy on our part to try and short cut it because it's Michael Owen. We treat him the same any player."

AFP