Sir Alex Ferguson was clear, ahead of this evening’s UEFA Champions League fixture between Man Utd and Valencia at Old Trafford: Michael Owen, despite being back in full training, will not play.
Ahead of tonight’s game, when quizzed on the potential of Owen making some kind of return this evening, the Manchester United manager was clear, stating “he has no chance of being involved” despite reports that the player is back in training.
“We don’t want to take any risks” said Ferguson and, with their qualification from UEFA Champions League Group C already assured, nor do they need to.
Owen, 30, has been injured since October, when he picked up a training ground injury to his hamstring during his recovery from another injury – to his groin.
The player should make his return in the next week or two, however, meaning he will be available for the busy Christmas and New Year period.
Owen signed for Manchester United on a free transfer from Newcastle United at the end of the 2008/09 season, but has been plagued with repeated injury layoffs for a number of seasons.
