The surgeon responsible for Michael Owen's rapid recovery has revealed the striker's return to action is "without any risk".
Little more than a week after undergoing stomach surgery in Munich at the clinic of top specialist Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, Owen returned to the Magpies' side, scoring the third in Sunday's 3-2 win over Everton.
The speed of the 27-year-old's return confounded expectations after initial predictions indicated the striker could be out for as long as six weeks.
And despite Owen admitting his availability for England's clashes with Estonia, on October 13, and Russia four days later would be "a bonus", he now seems set to take his place in Steve McClaren's starting line-up.
Having seen one of their most prized assets succumb to injury on international duty before, Newcastle will be keen to ensure Owen is fully fit and avoids any further setbacks.
But Dr Muschaweck, who developed what is known as the 'Minimal Repair Technique' especially for athletes, insists the risk of the injury re-occurring is minuscule.
She said: "The main difference to other operation techniques for the groin area is that only the defect of the posterior wall of the groin canal is opened and no sound tissue is destroyed.
"A special type of suturing is necessary, which keeps the elasticity of the abdominal wall. Therefore the training and full activity can start very early without any risk.
"The only thing stopping a quick return can be some pain which will keep the player off the field for some further days. The risk of the injury re-occurring is 0.1 percent."
The speed of the 27-year-old's return confounded expectations after initial predictions indicated the striker could be out for as long as six weeks.
And despite Owen admitting his availability for England's clashes with Estonia, on October 13, and Russia four days later would be "a bonus", he now seems set to take his place in Steve McClaren's starting line-up.
Having seen one of their most prized assets succumb to injury on international duty before, Newcastle will be keen to ensure Owen is fully fit and avoids any further setbacks.
But Dr Muschaweck, who developed what is known as the 'Minimal Repair Technique' especially for athletes, insists the risk of the injury re-occurring is minuscule.
She said: "The main difference to other operation techniques for the groin area is that only the defect of the posterior wall of the groin canal is opened and no sound tissue is destroyed.
"A special type of suturing is necessary, which keeps the elasticity of the abdominal wall. Therefore the training and full activity can start very early without any risk.
"The only thing stopping a quick return can be some pain which will keep the player off the field for some further days. The risk of the injury re-occurring is 0.1 percent."
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles

World Cup favourites England have one gaping question left to answer

Rampant England reach Women's Euros final

England trashed in worst home defeat in 94 years
Latest News

'Pretty amazing': how Minjee Lee entered golf folklore
23 Jun 2025

Record prizemoney for Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia
23 Jun 2025

Minjee Lee's superb Women's PGA victory in photos
24 Jun 2025