Owen blow for Reds - TalkSoccer

**kennethlindheim** · 28-11-2003, 05:43 PM

Liverpool ace Michael Owen is set to be out of action for three weeks after tests showed he had suffered a thigh strain.
The England international was forced off late on in Liverpool's Uefa Cup win over Steaua Bucharest after feeling a slight twinge in his thigh.

Owen was sent for scans on Friday and the full extent of the injury has been revealed, ruling the striker out for three weeks.

The news is a blow for Reds boss Gerard Houllier as Owen had only returned to action last week after several weeks out with an ankle problem.

"It is a blow to lose Michael at this stage as he has just come back and was getting near to full fitness," said Houllier.

"Michael will rest for a few days then have treatment. I hope to have him available before Christmas but he will be out for three weeks."

Owen will now miss Sunday's clash with Birmingham giving Emile Heskey the chance to start in attack alongside French teenager Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

Owen injured....thats rare. 8)

verde-rubro · 01-12-2003, 10:21 PM

Is there a conspiracy?
Little strange that he was nearing match fitness a couple of weeks ago, had two weeks off due to the internationals and oops no where to be seen. Whats the official story from the LFC website?

Are you worried that Owen might leave? Me, not a whole pile. Club is bigger than one player and if we can move on from Robbie then we can move on from Mike.

My major concerns is (1) Management (2) If Owen wants to go then we need to cash in and then pinpoint his replacement (15 - 18 EPL goal a year man who can stay fit touch wood)

verde-rubro · 01-12-2003, 10:25 PM

The fact is that Owen is worth more off-the-pitch than on it.
Can £25m replace Owen's goals on the pitch? Deffo. But will we be as marketable without him? No.

It might be tougher but in the right hands LFC should be bigger & better on & off the park. Owen is no Beckham (marketing wise, shame on his agent) and based on their on field performances Owen should be Beckham & more when it comes to fans clambering to buy his books, signatures, boots, haircuts etc but he does not want the shyte that comes with it. But Owens replacement may want it & more and
in the right hands / promotional company the following players could be the biggest thing that hit each of the markets beside them

Gerrard soon to be Captain of England(UK & Europe)
Diouf (Africa)
Kewell (Australia / Asia)
Hypia & Riise (Scandanavia)

In the right hands all of the above could easily replace the income that Owen brings to LFC and the board need to be looking at the big picture now as we may be Owenless next season.

verde-rubro · 01-12-2003, 10:38 PM

don't think we can kid ourselves. Owen is massively marketable because he is a marketable personality - good looking, hard working, high "character" coefficient, and plays a glamour position.

But he is happier at home on the couch...Imagine another recent European footballer of the year having less marketing appeal
than owen....I cant think of many, can you? Again I dont think we are going to miss his marketing power that much as if we create the team we deserve then the CF for that team will be Owen & more (on & off the field).

verde-rubro · 01-12-2003, 10:42 PM

To be honest Owen stays or goes is not my first concern, its GH.

LFC with Owen & GH in charge is destined for also rans.
LFC with Owen and a top class manager...Yahooooo

LFC with a very good base (Goalie, 4 or 5 world class defenders, 3 great midfielders, Baros, Pongolle, Mellor but no Owen and a top class manager....Wipe my tears a little as the sun is starting to peak over those dark clouds that have being over Anfield for way too long.

verde-rubro · 01-12-2003, 10:44 PM

Chelsea have Owen, LFC gets a heartbeat again

Raneiri &
Kirkland or Dudek
Finnan H&H Carragher or Riise
Mendietta Hamann Gerrard Kewell
Baros Anelka

Listen to that.....can you hear it......LFC is ALIVE.

verde-rubro · 01-12-2003, 10:57 PM

Ranieri..wtat has he done.....he might be the first title winning manager booted out of his club when Erikkson comes in. Can you say the same about O Neill, Toshack or anyone else that might be on your list. Jeez I would go after Wenger if I was Abramovich but if he does not want Raneiri then he would be the best available candidate.

"Finnan H&H Carragher or Riise "

ageing H+H (30 & 29...perfect for a 3 year plan at least plus tell the best CD in the world Desailly that his career was over 8 years ago...something tells me he would his size 12 up your arze)

Finnan ...pick your top 3 RB in the EPL and most would include him

Riise ....22 years of age & written off, shame on us.

"Mendietta Hamann Gerrard Kewell "

Mendietta = 1 season wonder....has already proven to be the most creative midfielder in the league this year by a mile. If you were happy to have Gary Mac at 37 then Mendietta as 30 years of age would be the old (god forbid if we got only 3 years out of him, 3 years of him or 10 of Diouf, no choice) head that we are
screaming for

"Baros Anelka "

Anelka.....fvck would be crazy to give him up. Yes they would but they have spent money this year based on CL income coming in next year. Without it I feel they may have to sell.