Michael Owen will definitely be missing from Fabio Capello's squad for the South Africa World Cup.
The hamstring injury the Manchester United striker suffered shortly after scoring in the Carling Cup final is more serious than initially thought and he has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Owen's injury has come as a blow to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as he attempts to guide the Red Devils to victory in the Premier League and Champions League, but has saved Capello an awkward decision.
The 30-year-old may have 40 international goals to his name and the experience of playing in three World Cup finals tournaments, but Capello has been reluctant to select the injury-prone striker.
Many column inches have been devoted to the subject of whether the Italian would backtrack and opt for Owen's experience and proven ability to perform at the highest level for the South Africa World Cup, but the debate is now over.
Capello is now left to choose three forwards from Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey, Carlton Cole and Darren Bent to join Wayne Rooney in the squad for the World Cup.
Posted by Oliver Jakes 