Owen's injury was a blow to England

Owen, 26, has not played since he damaged his anterior cruciate ligament during England's World Cup game against Sweden on 20 June.

"I know he will be back to the top," Dr Richard Steadman told The Sun.

"I told Michael if his career were to end it would not be because of his knee problems. I was very honest with him."

The England striker had to visit Dr Steadman's Colorado clinic on two separate occasions - once in July to have cartilage surgery, before returning in September for the cruciate ligament operation.

The American added: "I knew there had to be two operations. That way Michael was less likely to have to return here. I made the decision for him.

"The operations could have been carried out at the same time but I decided it would be best to split them into two."

Owen, who spent the second half of last season also on the sidelines after breaking a bone in his foot at the end of December, is expected to return in mid-April.

"I can do my part but then it is all down to the individual and how they react," said Steadman.

"They cannot rush back. If they try to rush that can result in a relapse and damage the knee."