World Cup: Knee injury leave Michael Owen on the bench

World Cup: Knee injury leave Michael Owen on the bench

The England striker was injured Tuesday in the second minute of his team's 2-2 draw with Sweden in Cologne. Owen had a scan on his knee Wednesday near England's team base in southern Germany and was to return to England later in the day.

Owen's right knee buckled after he had played a pass. He rolled off the field and lay on the sideline clutching his leg while play continued. He was treated by doctors and then strapped to a stretcher and taken away, the AP reports.

The English Football Association said Owen's recovery would be handled by his English Premier League club Newcastle. Freddy Shepherd, the club's chairman, said Owen had ruptured the ligament but said it was "too early to say how long he will be out for, although it is a serious injury."