Michael Owen's has been ruled out for the season with the pulled hamstring he picked up in Sunday's Carling Cup Final, ending his hopes of making England's world cup squad. This is obviously bad news, and you could say that this season has been a microcosm of the England striker's career. Bursts onto the scene with a goal for the ages (94th minute derby winner), continues his ascent towards the top of the game (hat trick against Wolfsburg) and then it suddenly ends (Newcastle United). Well that was a bit of an oversimplification, but hopefully Michael can contribute next season.
There is some good injury news though, Hargreaves and Macheda are both back to training with the first team. They both have a chance to be involved in Thursday's reserve match against Man City. It will be good to have Kiko back now that Owen's gone and Welbeck is on loan, and Hargreaves (if he was even close to fully fit) is a world-class midfielder and could help us win the league. The two other returning players for the match against Wolves are Rio Ferdinand (back) and Nani (suspension). We can go top of the table with a draw or a win, so it's a massive match.