Updated

Manchester United striker Michael Owen will miss the next six weeks because of a thigh injury, it was confirmed on Monday.

Owen sustained the problem in United's 2-0 defeat of Otelul Galati in the Champions League on November 2, but the injury was not thought to be serious initially.

However, a team spokesman has told the club's official website: "Michael has a thigh muscle injury and will be out for six weeks or so."

The 31-year-old Owen is now expected to be out until the holiday period, which means that he could miss nine games in all competitions during his absence.

Since joining United in 2009, Owen has tallied 17 goals in 52 appearances, with most of those coming as a substitute or in cup competitions.