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March 6, 2010

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Hamstring jinx ends Owen hopes

Source: Agencies | March 6, 2010, Saturday | Print Edition

MICHAEL Owen's faint hopes of making England's World Cup squad are over after the Manchester United striker was ruled out for the rest of the season because of a hamstring injury.

Owen pulled up with the injury shortly after scoring United's equalizer in last Sunday's 2-1 League Cup final win over Aston Villa at Wembley.

"It's a bad blow," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "Unfortunately, it's more serious than we thought. He will be operated upon on Monday morning. It's a terrible blow for the lad and is disappointing news for us too.

"He has never missed a training session all season. I think the heavy pitch at Wembley on Sunday made some contribution to it."

Owen made the last of his 89 England appearances against France in March 2008 and described himself as a "long shot" to make the Cup squad.

England coach Fabio Capello had said that if the 30-year-old forward played regularly for United he could get the chance to add to his 40 international goals with a recall.

Owen played at the past three World Cups and is the only player to score in four major tournaments for England.

But he has started just five English Premier League matches since his surprise free transfer from Newcastle to United in the offseason.

"I have loved every minute of my first campaign with Manchester United and have already enjoyed some memorable moments," Owen said. "I am determined to come back at the start of next season in peak condition."

Portugal and Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa has also been ruled out for the remainder of the Premier League season and the World Cup because of a knee injury.

Bosingwa first underwent surgery in November after his left knee was injured while playing against Villa in the Premier League. It was hoped the right back would return in three months and he had recently resumed light training.

But Chelsea announced yesterday that he requires another operation. "Bosingwa will be out for the season and have another operation, so that's it for him unfortunately and he'll miss the World Cup, as well," Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins said.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Thursday that Aaron Ramsey's double fracture to his right leg is not career-threatening.

The 19-year-old Wales international suffered the injury at Stoke City last weekend after a tackle by defender Ryan Shawcross who was shown a straight red card before leaving the field in tears.

Ramsey, whose injury was reminiscent of the one suffered by Croatia striker Eduardo two years ago, had surgery last Saturday and will not play again this season.

"It is too far away to set any realistic deadline (on his recovery)," Wenger told Arsenal's Website. "Let's let him heal. The good news is the surgery went well and it is not a career-threatening injury.

"But it is two breaks and to get back to your best you need not only to practice again but you need time to recover your coordination."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis defended Shawcross on Thursday while again expressing his sympathy for Ramsey.

"We have been in touch with Aaron," he told Sky Sports News. "We were as devastated as anybody could be and nobody wants to see that happen."
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