Manchester United forward Michael Owen was ruled out for the rest of the season Friday due to injury, ending his faint chance of making England's World Cup squad. Owen injured a hamstring in Sunday's League Cup against Aston Villa after scoring United's equalizer in a 2-1 victory. “It's a bad blow - he's out for the season,” United manager Alex Ferguson said. “Unfortunately it's more serious than we thought. He will be operated on Monday morning. It's a terrible blow for the lad and is disappointing news for us too. “He has never missed a training session all season. I think the heavy pitch at Wembley Sunday made some contribution to it but really it is just bad luck.” Owen made the last of his 89 England appearances against France in March 2008 and described himself as a “long shot” to make the World Cup squad. But coach Fabio Capello said that if the 30-year-old forward played regularly for United he could be recalled. Since his surprise move to United on a free transfer in the offseason, he has struggled to make the first team. “I have loved every minute of my first campaign with Manchester United and have already enjoyed some memorable moments,” Owen said. “I am determined to come back at the start of next season in peak condition.” In-form Wayne Rooney is also a worry for Ferguson after playing nearly the whole game in England's friendly against Egypt at Wembley Wednesday and defender Jonny Evans will miss Saturday's Premier League visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers. “We have to assess Wayne because he played almost 90 minutes for England the other night at Wembley, which I was disappointed in,” Ferguson said. “When you're playing on that pitch for almost an hour on Sunday and then nearly a full game Wednesday, it's far too much. He's a doubt. “It's disappointing as there were some changes made and I thought Rooney would be one of them, especially as he already had a slight injury from Sunday.” With Owen ruled out Ferguson's striking options are thin with Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov his only experienced forwards as the season reaches its climax. However, there was better news on Rio Ferdinand who will return to partner Nemanja Vidic in central defence at Wolves. “Rio is back which is good news,” Ferguson said. “It comes at a good time with a big game against Milan next Wednesday. “Having the Ferdinand-Vidic partnership is a big boost in terms of the experience and consistency they've shown over the last few years. That will be important to us in the run-in.” England midfielder Owen Hargreaves is also close to a return and has been scheduled to play for the reserves Thursday. Hargreaves has not played since September 2008 because of tendonitis in both knees. “We've pencilled him in for a reserve game next Thursday and he's been training with the first team, which has been good to see,” Ferguson said.
