Owen nearing return

Liverpool striker Michael Owen will return to training this week but there still remains a doubt over whether he will be available for Sunday’s FA Cup trip to Yeovil.

Skipper Steven Gerrard is already out of the match. A scan on the thigh strain that forced him off at Manchester City at the weekend also suggests that he may be out longer and is already a doubt for next Wednesday’s trip to Chelsea.

Owen, who has played only four games since October, also had a scan on his thigh problem and there has been significant improvement, allowing him to resume ball work.

Boss Gerard Houllier said: “Michael has had a scan and is doing a lot better now. We will have to wait and see how he is for Yeovil, but I would not rule out the possibility of him being involved in the game at some stage.”