21.11.2003 - Owen expected back for Riverside trip

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Michael Owen could be back in the Liverpool team for tomorrow's Premiership match against Middlesbrough.

Owen picked up an ankle injury in last month's defeat to Arsenal, and has played just an hour of first team action since.

But after missing the recent games against Blackburn, Steaua Bucharest and Man United, as well as England's friendly against Denmark last weekend, the Liverpool top scorer is expected to make his return in tomorrow's fixture at the Riverside, where Middlesbrough will be hoping to win their third straight game.

In the same fixture last season, a late Gareth Southgate goal was enough to earn 'Boro the points, but having lost their 5th game of the season two weeks ago when they lost to Man United, Liverpool will be desperate to make sure that they don't fall even further behind the league leaders, as they move closer to one of the most crucial periods of the season.

Steven Gerrard should also be involved, despite pulling out of the England squad last weekend, but it's unsure as to whether Gerard Houllier will bring back Stephane Henchoz after the Reds' manager stuck with the improved Igor Biscan for the Man United game.

Further team news will be added tomorrow afternoon, with news of the match available tomorrow evening.