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Key star could be back for OT clash
Newcastle United, 11:27, August 12, 2008 ,
Newcastle feel Michael Owen will be fit to take his place in the squad for the opening game at Manchester United.
The England star has missed the Magpies pre-season friendlies with a calf problem and there were real fears that he would join Mark Viduka on the sidelines for the start of the season.
But Owen has made decent progress in the last couple of weeks and will play in a behind close-doors clash this week in order to gain some match sharpness.
If all goes according to plan, the former Liverpool man, who has also been suffering with mumps, should be available to join the rest of the squad for Sunday's opener at Old Trafford.