Soccer: Doubt over Owen's fitness

England striker Michael Owen and midfielder Paul Scholes missed training yesterday and had intensive treatment as they battled injuries ahead of Friday's quarter-final against Brazil.

Assistant coach Tord Grip said he was optimistic that both would recover in time for the eagerly awaited clash.

"Michael Owen and Paul Scholes are both having treatment at the moment but we hope they will be fit by Friday."

Owen came off at halftime in England's 3-0 second-round win over Denmark on Saturday complaining of a groin strain, and Scholes suffered a slight foot injury.

Midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who hurt his shin in the 1-0 win over Argentina, trained apart from the team and is expected to be fit.

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

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