England striker Michael Owen has undergone more surgery on his injured foot.
Newcastle have, though, insisted that the procedure is only a minor one and claim his rehabilitation is likely to be speeded up by the latest operation.
The 26-year-old, who has not played since breaking the bone in his foot on New Year's Eve against Tottenham, went under the knife again on Friday.
Owen is still very confident he will be playing again before the end of the season, but the chances of him playing in early April appear to be dwindling.
"The specialists have said that everything is healing fine, but to speed the process, they need to tighten the screw they inserted at the time of my operation in January," he told Newcastle's website.
"It is a simple process and should ensure that I am back playing for Newcastle before the end of the season."
England coach Sven Goran Eriksson is sure to be keeping a close check on his vice-captain as he will want him fully fit before naming his World Cup squad in mid-May.
Newcastle have, though, insisted that the procedure is only a minor one and claim his rehabilitation is likely to be speeded up by the latest operation.
The 26-year-old, who has not played since breaking the bone in his foot on New Year's Eve against Tottenham, went under the knife again on Friday.
Owen is still very confident he will be playing again before the end of the season, but the chances of him playing in early April appear to be dwindling.
"The specialists have said that everything is healing fine, but to speed the process, they need to tighten the screw they inserted at the time of my operation in January," he told Newcastle's website.
"It is a simple process and should ensure that I am back playing for Newcastle before the end of the season."
England coach Sven Goran Eriksson is sure to be keeping a close check on his vice-captain as he will want him fully fit before naming his World Cup squad in mid-May.
