London, Nov 30: Liverpool striker Michael Owen will be out of action for three weeks with a pulled thigh muscle, the Premier League club has said on their website.
Owen sustained the injury in Liverpool's 1-0 Uefa win over Steaua Bucharest at Anfield on Thursday.
The 23-year-old England International had just returned to the squad after recovering from a knee problem.
''It is a blow to lose Michael at this stage as he has just come back and was getting near to full fitness,'' Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier said Friday.
''Michael will rest for a few days then have treatment. I hope to have him available before Christmas but he will be out for three weeks.''


Bureau Report