Owen has finally succumbed to groin and hernia problems, so will sit out at least the next three weeks, ruling him out of England duty next month as well as some crucial Premier League outings with Newcastle.

The Magpies' next engagement is at City this weekend, a game which could ultimately prove quite important in the battle to be 'best of the rest' behind England's big four.

After spending five years as Owen's manager at international level, Eriksson has seen at close hand what a talent the former Liverpool man is.

And, judging by his fulsome tribute, both Sam Allardyce and Steve McClaren are going to have a big task on their hands finding a replacement.

"It is very difficult to find the kind quality Michael Owen gives you," said Eriksson.

"There are very few like him across the whole of Europe.

"He has been important for every team he has played for and will continue to be so as long as he plays football.

"So often I have been sat on the bench thinking the team is not playing well, then, bang, after 80 minutes, there is the winning goal.

"He can score from absolutely nowhere. He moves into space at exactly the right time and while he should not score with his head, he does it, which means he is very clever because he cannot go fighting with centre-halves.

"Even sitting on the bench at Real Madrid, he always seemed to score when he came on. You just do not find players like that very easily."

Owen's fitness problems should certainly make life easier for City's defence this weekend. But, much like his attitude when it became apparent another of his former players, Wayne Rooney, would miss the Manchester derby, there is a tinge of regret in Eriksson's voice at the striker's present problems.

"I really hope Michael gets fit and starts to play football again. That is what he loves," said the Swede.

"He is still only 27, so he has a lot of years left in his career but over the last 18 months or so, he has been very unlucky.

"I know him well and he is a really nice lad. I was so happy for him when he played well for both England and Newcastle recently."

Owen's injury balances City's own striking concerns as Rolando Bianchi has been ruled out with a minor groin problem.

Despite his last-minute winner in Tuesday's Carling Cup triumph over Norwich, the best Georgios Samaras can hope for is a place on the bench as Emile Mpenza is set to return as a lone striker.

The Belgian has revelled in the responsibility, even if he has hardly been prolific in the scoring department.

However, on most occasions, someone has been able to take up the slack, with Bulgarian Martin Petrov on target twice at Fulham last weekend.

Of all Eriksson's eight signings, the £4.7million former Atletico Madrid winger appears to be the one who has settled quickest.

And, after struggling throughout his time as England boss to find a natural left-sided midfielder, it seems ironic the City manager has managed to pick one up straight away on his return to the club scene.

"I have always known Martin was a great player," he said.

"What he did in Spain and for his national team (Bulgaria) was fantastic.

"He has pace and a good left foot. He can shoot and cross. He is one of those electric players; something always happens when he gets the ball and the fans are excited by that.

"Scoring two goals away from home in the Premier League is an achievement in itself. But that is his standard and now he is getting fitter, he will get better still."