09.10.2003 - Owen to miss Turkey match

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Michael Owen will not be fit for England's Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey at the weekend after failing to recover from the injury he picked up in Saturday's match with Arsenal.

Despite making what the FA have described as 'excellent progress' in his fight to be fit for the game, Owen will not be flying out with the rest of the squad this afternoon and will instead return to Melwood where he will continue his recovery.

His absence leaves Emile Heskey and Steven Gerrard as Liverpool's only two players in the squad, with both expected to start Saturday's crucial game. Wayne Rooney is likely to replace Owen in the team, with England needing just a draw to top the ground and qualify for next summers' finals.