LONDON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A thigh injury forced Manchester United striker Michael Owen to be out of action until at least Christmas, the reigning Premier League champions said on Monday.

A club spokesman said on Monday "Michael has a thigh muscle injury and will be out for six weeks or so."

The former England forward suffered the injury during the 2-0 Champions League home win against Otelul Galati.

He played just 10 minutes against the Romanians after straining his left thigh.

The injury means Owen, who made his name at Liverpool before spells at Real Madrid and Newcastle, is unlikely to play for United until December 26 at the earliest when the Red Devils are at home to Wigan.

United are currently second in the Premier League standings, five points behind leaders and cross town rivals Manchester City.