LONDON, Dec 27: Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen could make his first step back from an injury layoff in next weekend’s FA Cup third round.

Owen, who has been out with a thigh injury for a month, will have another scan next week as Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier considers whether to risk him in the Cup competition against Yeovil.

Houllier is keen to get Owen back as soon as possible, however the Frenchman’s enthusiasm to have Owen back will be tempered by recent injury woes, which has left them with a mini-goalkeeping crisis.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland became the latest addition to the casualty list on Friday when he broke a finger in the 3-1 Boxing Day win over Bolton at Anfield.

He is likely to be out for around a month, meaning Jerzy Dudek will be recalled to face Manchester City, ironically a club with which the out of form Pole has been linked of late.

Houllier said: “We will have another look at Michael on Monday. It is too early to say whether he will be able to play against Yeovil. —AFP