England and Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has broken a bone in his foot, and will be out of action for up to three months.

The 26-year-old fractured his fifth metatarsal during Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premiership on New Year's Eve.

It could mean Owen missing the scheduled World Cup warm-up match against Uruguay on March 1st at Anfield, but should be fit for England’s other two international friendlies, against Hungary and Jamaica, in May.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said he would be monitoring Owens recovery closely ahead of the 2006 World Cup finals.

“Obviously I'm very disappointed for Michael,” Eriksson told the English Football Association website.

“It's very bad luck for him and for Newcastle United.”

“Michael is a fantastic striker, and a very important player for his club and for England.”

“I hope that he returns to fitness as soon as possible, and I will follow his progress very closely.”

This injury is dreadful news for Owen’s club side Newcastle United, with Newcastle manager Graeme Souness voicing the opinion of club and supporters. “It's a mighty blow,” said the Magpies boss. “It's an absolute disaster for him and an absolute disaster for the club. It's a dark day for us.”

St James' Park boss Graeme Souness bought Owen for £17m from Real Madrid in August.

He has been an instant hit alongside former England captain Alan Shearer in attack, scoring seven goals in nine starts.

Newcastle United’s assistant manager Alan Murray added: “(The injury) might have to be pinned, which will prolong the recovery. We're hoping that it won't have to be but we will have to have a look when it settles down.”

“We're looking at eight to 10 weeks if things go well, longer if they don't.”

“We've been riding along between 14th and 10th (place) for most of the season, so if you lose somebody with Michael's goal-scoring ability it's a blow to anybody and something we could well do without.”

The fifth metatarsal is the bone in the foot that connects to the little toe. Most England fans are now familiar with the fifth metatarsal, after it being an injury suffered by key players at important times, it is the same bone that has been broken by England colleagues Gary Neville, in April 2002, Steven Gerrard in September 2004, and Wayne Rooney in Euro 2004.

England captain David Beckham broke his second metatarsal just before the 2002 World Cup in Japan/Korea, and was struggling for fitness throughout the tournament.

Republic of Ireland international Given has been one of Newcastle's most consistent performers this season.

In a further piece of bad news for the club, Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given has suffered a suspected broken thumb in the same match.