Owen could play in Newcastle's FA Cup tie, says Roeder

Newcastle caretaker manager Glenn Roeder says injured striker Michael Owen has a chance of playing in next month's FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea.

"It will be touch and go," Roeder said. "Apparently, he's certainly not behind his recovery time, if anything he might be a little bit ahead of time."

England striker Owen said earlier this month that he was confident of being fit to return from his broken toe in April.

Owen had a metal pin inserted on the fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot after colliding with Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson on December 31.

"He's got no concerns with the way the operation went and the way the injury is healing," said Roeder.

No date has yet been arranged for Newcastle's trip to Stamford Bridge but the game will be played between March 20 and 23.

Roeder said it was difficult to give a date for Owen's return.

"He's not doing enough in training yet, he's only just started jogging," he said. "But he is pleased with the amount of running he is doing and he is pain free."

Premier League today: 8.45 p.m. Newcastle vs Charlton.