[kennethlindheim]

Glenn Roeder has rated Michael Owen's chances of featuring against Chelsea at St James' Park on Sunday at 50-50.

The Newcastle United striker has not played since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during last summer's World Cup finals in Germany.

Owen has long hoped to return in time for the game against the Premiership champions, although he still has to overcome a minor groin problem.

Roeder has been adamant all along that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid front-man will not be rushed back, and that has not changed now.

The Magpies will continue to monitor Owen's fitness but a boost is that he has not been ruled out of the Chelsea clash.

"At this stage, I have not even discussed it with Michael as to whether he will be back for us on Sunday," Roeder said.

"He is 50-50, but he will not return until in my opinion he is in pristine condition - and he has had a slight groin strain which he picked up in shooting practice at the end of last week.

"His groin is a bit sore, but that is what happens when players have been out for a long time, they pick up niggles in other parts of their body.

"At the moment, we are being very careful with Michael, as we would with any other player.

"He certainly has not been ruled out of the Chelsea game but, if in the end he is, then we will start looking to our next match at Reading."

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If he makes the bench fine - give him the last 15 minutes - no more. There is absolutly no reason to rush his return - this season is over!