The 26-year-old has not played since breaking a bone in his foot on New Years’ Eve, and it has been revealed that his comeback has been delayed due to more surgery on Friday.

However, amidst all the fears that the England international will not play any sort of first team football until next season, he has given hope by insisting he will be back before the end of this campaign.

"The specialists have said that everything is healing fine, but to speed the process, they need to tighten the screw they inserted at the time of my operation in January," Owen told Newcastle's website. "It is a simple process and should ensure that I am back playing for Newcastle before the end of the season."