Festive frustration for Owen

The England international, who turned 24 yesterday, was handed an unwanted birthday message when it was revealed that he will be sidelined until the new year due to the thigh injury that has kept him out of action since the Reds' UEFA Cup win over Steaua Bucharest in late November.

Owen will miss Saturday's trip to Molineux to face bottom club Wolves, as well as the Anfield clash with Bolton and the December 28th date with Kevin Keegan's Manchester City.