Manchester United forward Michael Owen has been ruled out for the rest of the season after doctor’s confirmed the need for surgery on the hamstring he injured at Wembley during United’s Carling Cup Final win last weekend against Aston Villa.

Via DailyMail

United blamed the poor state of the Wembley pitch for the hamstring injury Owen picked up during the Carling Cup final last week.

The blow rules out any small chance Owen had of going to the World Cup.

‘It’s a bad blow – he’s out for the season,’ said Ferguson. ‘Unfortunately it’s more serious than we thought. He will be operated on on Monday morning.

‘It’s a terrible blow for the lad and is disappointing news for us too. He has never missed a training session all season.

‘I think the heavy pitch at Wembley on Sunday made some contribution to it but really it is just bad luck.’

England manager Fabio Capello insisted this week that Owen still had a chance of going to South Africa this summer, but the striker admitted himself that he was a ‘long shot’ after playing no part in the Italian’s sides.

Now, after learning the extent of his injury, Owen said: ‘Unfortunately the specialist says I will miss the end of the season.

‘I have loved every minute of my first campaign with Manchester United and have already enjoyed some memorable moments.

‘I am determined to come back at the start of next season in peak condition.’