Alex Ferguson Confirms Owen Injury

Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Michael Owen will be out of action for up to five weeks with a hamstring injury but hope that Ryan Giggs will be back in training on Monday.

Michael Owen had been expected to start the Carling Cup clash in mid-week but the striker picked up another injury during training.

Ferguson also talked about the fitness of Owen Hargreaves, who has been struggling with persistent knee problems, and he is still receiving treatment.

Speaking to Sky Sports he said: "Ryan should start training on Monday, I think he's progressed quite well now," said Ferguson.

"Michael Owen unfortunately picked up a hamstring injury in training. That's disappointing for him and he'll be out for four or five weeks.

"Wayne is still injured and resting, and Owen Hargreaves is still recovering from a long-term injury.

"I can't see [him playing in the next few weeks]. He was making very good progress when he first came back, but it seems to have stalled a little bit and he is back with the physios now.

"They're the only injuries we have at the moment and we have quite a strong squad at the moment. We hope it stays that way."

United are currently third in the Premier League, behind Chelsea and Arsenal, having picked up seventeen points in the first nine games.

And they are in action this weekend as they face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Helen Earnshaw