Why Owen's latest injury woe will surprise no-one - except his brochure publisher

By Simon Bird

Published 13:44 01/03/10

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Journalists: Idiots, Part 2.

Michael Owen limps off injured. No surprise to fans of Newcastle United.

However, the latest hamstring problem will be a shock to anyone who read that glossy brochure Owen’s advisors published in the summer advertising his services, complete with updated fitness assessment from Dr John Green.

He wrote: “The following are my thoughts on Michael Owen’s so-called “injury prone" status - a statement I consider to be nonsensical. His medical issues have more to do with questionable advice than him being an individual who is susceptible to injury.”

Green added that, because of a specific fitness programme, “Michael is no longer susceptible to muscle injury" and stated that mistakes were made at Newcastle that caused his injury setbacks at St James’ Park.

There was also a section with the title: Tabloid stories (and the Truth!) rebutting the allegation that “Michael Owen is always injured".

Of course it is sad to see England’s top finisher having his career wrecked by niggling problems. England could do with him fit and at the top of his game. Maybe his goal at Wembley this weekend would have pricked Fabio Capello’s interest had he not hobbled off minutes later.

Playing largely as a sub at Old Trafford and coming on in the last 20 minutes of games has helped keep his niggles down this season.

But the latest twang has muted Owen’s Carling Cup final celebrations, and I’m wondering who the former England striker will blame this time.

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