Owen suffers injury setback

[Thatslife]

Liverpool have suffered a new setback after Michael Owen was hit by a recurrence of his thigh injury.

England striker Owen is in danger of missing the Christmas programme in another blow to boss Gerard Houllier.

Owen tore a thigh muscle late in the 1-0 win against Steaua Bucharest in the Uefa Cup at Anfield on 27 November.

He hoped to return within three weeks, but now faces another spell on the sidelines in a season that has been dogged by injury problems.

Owen has missed a large chunk of Liverpool's campaign as boss Houllier battles to turn around their fortunes.

And the absence of his main marksman is another major disappointment after the home defeat against Southampton at Anfield on Saturday.

Owen damaged his shin during the 2-1 home defeat by Arsenal on 7 October and was ruled out for England in Turkey and the next two Liverpool matches.

He has also suffered ankle problems and has been badly missed as Liverpoool have failed to mount a title challenge and have crashed out of the Carling Cup at home to Bolton.