Scan to decide if Owen needs op

Michael Owen had a scan yesterday to determine if he needs an operation to sort out a groin problem.

Owen was taken off early in the second half of Newcastle's defeat to Derby on Monday night, but club sources insisted there was no long-term problem.

The England striker has conceded it is possible he may need surgery, but he and the club will fight to avoid that.

Owen's withdrawal at Derby looks like being successful in the short-term, with the 27-year-old fit enough to play against West Ham on Sunday.

Of more concern to England boss Steve McClaren is whether or not Owen will be fit for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia next month. If an operation is necessary, the forward would be out for at least two weeks. Newcastle's medical staff will know the results of the scan today.

Wigan manager Chris Hutchings says Emile Heskey is 'touch and go' for England's two Group E games in October. The striker had a screw inserted into his right foot yesterday after breaking a metatarsal.