The striker sat out Sunday's 1-1 draw against Manchester United, having missed all of United's pre-season with a calf problem.

And while Owen – who has never featured for Newcastle on the opening weekend of a season – is close to fitness, manager Kevin Keegan believes the Old Trafford result shows he does not need to rush the 28-year-old back before he is ready.

Owen's fellow forward Mark Viduka, meanwhile, is back in training after recovering from his Achilles problem, but will definitely not be involved against Bolton.

Asked whether Owen and Viduka would face Gary Megson's side, Keegan said: "Michael probably won't be, and Viduka certainly won't be.

"I probably could rush Michael back, and then knock him back five or six weeks.

"And we're probably strong enough to do without the two of them, but when they come back it'll give us a massive boost.

Owen – who missed England's summer internationals beccause of a bout of mumps – could make his return away to Coventry City in the Carling Cup next Tuesday.

However, he will most likely he will be held back for next Saturday night's away game against Arsenal.