And the striker will not be fit in time for Saturday's game against Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium.

However, Owen is hopeful he will play some part in the Mallorca Summer Cup early next month, which sees Newcastle take on Hertha Berlin and Real Mallorca.

The 28-year-old also has a slight calf problem, and Keegan will not take any risks with his captain, who struck 13 goals for United last season.

"When I pulled out of the England squad for the games with the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, everyone thought I had a virus," said Owen.

"But it turned out that I had the mumps, and they would not let me go in case I infected any of the other England players.

"While I would not say I was in a bad way, it wasn't very pleasant at all.

"It did affect me for a while – I was quite ill – and I was not allowed to do anything for four weeks.

"When I came back to Newcastle, our doctor here worked out a programme for me, and it has been a slightly different programme from the rest of the players.

"Instead of going straight into the deep end with the rest of the lads, we have just been making slow progress.

"That's why you did not see me at Hartlepool, and why I won't be out there at Doncaster Rovers.

"Perhaps I might get to play in one of the games in the tournament in Majorca next weekend, but I should definitely be OK for our first home friendly with PSV Eindhoven."

Newcastle take on PSV Eindhoven on August 6, and also entertain Valencia at St James's Park three days later.