Manchester United striker Michael Owen has been ruled out of action for six weeks with a thigh injury.
The 31-year-old picked up the problem during United's 2-0 win over Otelul Galati in the Champions League earlier this month.
"Michael has a thigh muscle injury and will be out for six weeks or so," confirmed a club spokesman.
He is now not expected to make a return until the Boxing Day fixture against Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid frontman joined United on a free transfer in 2009.
