Sam Hopes For Safe Return Of 'Toon Nine'

Last updated : 20 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Emre and Michael Owen are obviously the two concerns, as neither have started a Newcastle match since last season. But both Geremi, due to fly to Japan with Cameroon, and Martins, down to play for Nigeria in Macedonia, are carrying injuries.

And United can forget all about Damien Duff, with the Republic of Ireland international not expected to be ready to return until November because of the bad foot injury he sustained at Portsmouth at the end of the season.

United´s nine on international duty are - Emre, Michael Owen, Alan Smith, Steven Taylor, James Milner, David Rozehnal, Stephen Carr, Oba Martins and Geremi.