With Owen's track record in front of goal is all the more depressing, although Shearer insists it presents a chance for the club's other strikers prove their worth.
Nigeria international Obafemi Martins has a chance of playing after making a quicker than expected recovery from a knee injury which it was feared at one point could sideline him for up to six weeks.
But Shola Ameobi and summer signing Xisco too have something to prove.
Shearer said: "There is now a chance for somebody else.
"I don't know how far away Obafemi is or whether he will be fit or not. But if he isn't, it's a chance for somebody else to come in and stake their claim."