Although there have been optimistic noises from both Chelsea and Newcastle about the key duo's fitness, there must be a major doubt they will recover from a fractured cheekbone and stomach surgery in time to tackle Estonia on October 13 and Russia, England's major qualification rivals, in Moscow four days later.

But, after recording three-goal wins over Israel and Russia last month to put themselves in pole position to reach next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland, McClaren feels England can approach their task with confidence.

"We have coped without players before," he said. "We will do so again."

McClaren is waiting for further information on the recovery programme of his captain and most prolific goalscorer but unless there is any bad news, it appears both will be in the squad he unveils on Friday.

"We will have to see what the outcome of the operations are and take it day-by-day," said McClaren, who was speaking at the launch of the FA-backed Tesco Skills Roadshow at West Brom this afternoon.

"They are both very confident in coming back and playing very quickly.

"But, as we all know with injuries and rehabilitation, things can go wrong.

"We won't really know until the clubs or players are in a position to give us more information."

If medical advice proves correct, McClaren, who has already lost Emile Heskey from the squad which produced such a fine back-to-back performances at Wembley last month, should be receiving a double dose of good news.

While Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has hinted he wants Owen to play for his club before appearing again for his country, the specialist who operated on the striker in Munich last week, feels the Estonia encounter is a more likely return date than Newcastle's Barclays Premier League encounter with Everton at St James' Park on Sunday.

"With this type of injury after 10 to 12, a maximum of 14 days, he is back into full activity," Dr Ulrike Muschaweck told Sky Sports News.

"He will start training today or tomorrow and every day do a little bit more, and after eight to 10 days he will make a full recovery."

Asked whether he would be able to play for England this month, Muschaweck, who carried out surgery aimed at strengthening Owen's stomach muscles to prevent a feared hernia, added: "I think so, yes.

"There is no problem to be expected after the operation, not at all."

Specialists also believe Terry should be available, providing he is willing to risk suffering a recurrence of the depressed cheekbone fracture he got in an aerial clash with Clint Dempsey at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Although he would have to wear a protective mask, the Chelsea captain is believed to be considering a return to duty against Valencia on Wednesday.

"If he is willing to take that chance, there is no reason why he couldn't play," said maxillofacial specialist Professor Peter Brennan.

Although McClaren was at Eastlands to see Micah Richards perform creditably in central defence during Manchester City's win over Newcastle on Saturday, Sol Campbell and Jonathan Woodgate would probably be first in the queue to replace Terry.

And, while Owen will be less easy to replace, it seems a call-up for West Ham's Dean Ashton, who required two operations on the ankle he broke in training prior to McClaren's first match in charge, the friendly against Greece in August 2006, is virtually certain.

"I feel ready to play for England if I am picked," Ashton told the London Evening Standard.

"If I didn't feel ready I wouldn't be playing.

"I am improving in every game. All I can do is maintain that improvement and do my best for West Ham in every game.

"Hopefully that will be enough to impress Steve McClaren."