Latest injury is a big blow to Michael Owen

It was a great shame to see Manchester United's Michael Owen leave the field after just 20 minutes of last night's Champions League clash with Wolfsburg.

The striker could be out of action for up to three weeks after injuring his groin in the early part of the game.

It will have done his chances of returning to the England squad no good at all, despite being watched by England manager Fabio Capello. The injury will sideline Owen for at least three weeks.

"His fitness levels are good so we shouldn't need to worry too much about it. We will treat it as a normal groin injury," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Owen has spent too much of the last few years on the injured list. Now 29, he must still hope he can return to fitness and form in time for next year's World Cup. He had a big boost a week and a half ago when he scored United's winner in the 4-3 victory over rivals City.

Sadly, time is running out.