Owen faces long lay-off

England striker Michael Owen faces a lengthy lay-off after breaking a bone in his right foot during Newcastle United's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Owen, who was injured shortly before half-time in a collision with Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson, will be out for two to three months after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, compromising his World Cup preparations.

"He's had an X-ray and he will obviously be out for several months," Newcastle manager Graeme Souness told the club's website.

"I think it's the same bone as David Beckham broke.

"It's an almighty blow for us amid a disappointing Christmas.

"I cannot tell you how big a miss Michael will be. It's an absolute disaster for him and it's an absolute disaster for us."

Souness also confirmed that goalkeeper Shay Given had injured his right hand in the final minutes at White Hart Lane and was awaiting the results of a scan.

Owen arrived back in Newcastle on crutches, and told Sky Sports that he was optimistic the injury would heal in good time for the World Cup finals in Germany.

"I've not had a break before," said Owen. "If it's any consolation there's plenty of time before the World Cup.

"I think it's two-and-a-half or three months (recovery time), loads of people have had it done."

While Owen's injury is unlikely to threaten his career, Newcastle's assistant manager Alan Murray said the bone may need to be pinned.

"He's fractured his fifth metatarsal and it might have to be pinned which would lengthen the recovery," he said.

"We're hoping it won't have to be but we'll have to see when it settles down."

Owen is a crucial part of Sven-Goran Eriksson's plans for the World Cup, having scored 35 times in 75 appearances for his country.

"Obviously I'm very disappointed for Michael," the Swedish coach told the FA's website. "It's very bad luck for him and for Newcastle.

"Michael is a fantastic striker and a very important player for his club and for England. I hope he returns to fitness as soon as possible and I will follow his progress very closely."