Read more about Newcastle United.
Magpies wary with Owen
Newcastle United, 10:01, August 7, 2008 ,
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan will not risk Michael Owen against Valencia but expects him to be ready for the big kick-off.
England striker Owen's close season has been ruined by a bout of the mumps and now a calf problem which meant he did not travel to Majorca or face PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night.
The former Liverpool star had been pencilled in for a run-out against the Spaniards on Saturday at St James' Park, but Keegan has been forced to pull him out.
Keegan said: "Michael will want to play and maybe have half a match, but I've told him I won't risk him.
"He'll be fit for Manchester United as long as he doesn't have any setbacks. He's just started running again and done a lot of strength work. He's a very fit boy."
Keegan added: "We must get some football into him again now but we can do that internally without throwing him into a game five days after his comeback."
The Magpies start the new Premier League season with a daunting trip to Manchester United on August 17.