The Football Association's insurers could face a bill for millions of pounds as they pick up the tab for Michael Owen's knee injury.
FA spokesman Adrian Bevington has confirmed the insurance policy in place for all England players will compensate the Magpies for the loss of their ?103,000-a-week striker while he recovers from the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament which ended his World Cup.
However, it is understood Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd, who will discover later this week just how long Owen will be out of action, took out additional coverage against a serious injury to his ?17million signing.
Bevington said: "We have an insurance policy in place for all players that covers their salaries while they are injured."
Shepherd said: "It's well known that the FA insure England players when they are away on international duty should issues such as compensation arise, and that applies in Michael's case."
However, it is understood Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd, who will discover later this week just how long Owen will be out of action, took out additional coverage against a serious injury to his ?17million signing.
Bevington said: "We have an insurance policy in place for all players that covers their salaries while they are injured."
Shepherd said: "It's well known that the FA insure England players when they are away on international duty should issues such as compensation arise, and that applies in Michael's case."
