Owen out for six weeks Striker not expected to return until Boxing Day at the earliest

Manchester United have confirmed Michael Owen has been ruled out for six weeks as he recovers from his thigh injury.Michael Owen: The striker sustained his thigh injury against Otelul Galati. The striker sustained the problem in the UEFA Champions League match against Otelul Galati at Old Trafford at the beginning of November.And Owen is now not expected to return until Christmas at the earliest, with United suggesting the Boxing Day game against Wigan as a possible date for his comeback. A club spokesman told United's official website: "Michael has a thigh muscle injury and will be out for six weeks or so."The thigh complaint came as a latest setback for Owen, who has been plagued by injuries in his career.The 31-year-old was last week dismissing suggestions he could retire at the end of this season, when his United contract expires.