Newcastle striker Michael Owen could be back in action within weeks to hand manager Sam Allardyce a major boost.

The 27-year-old England international has returned from his trip to Germany to consult top specialist Hans-Wilhelm Muller Wohlfahrt over his torn thigh muscle and is currently ahead of the initial prognosis in terms of his recovery.

Toon boss Sam Allardyce said: "Michael is back from Germany and coming forward a lot quicker than we thought, and we will hopefully have him back well before Christmas."