Injured England striker Michael Owen will travel to America on Monday to see knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman. The 26-year-old Newcastle frontman will undergo surgery to repair his ruptured cruciate ligament at the Colorado clinic of Dr Richard Steadman.

Owen will spend up to a fortnight in the United States before returning home to continue his rehabilitation.

"The doctor comes with a great reputation. I know I am in safe hands," he told the club's official website.

Owen was injured during England's 2-2 World Cup draw with Sweden and is expected to be sidelined until 2007. "The operation needs to go according to plan first, so we'll get that out of the way. Hopefully that will go fine and we can look forward to a smooth rehab," he said. "If it all goes well after that, I'd like to think I'll be playing as soon as possible in the new year."

Owen had previously said he hoped to return to Germany for his medal should England make the World Cup final on 9 July. He had only returned to action in late April after suffering a broken foot on New Year's Eve.

Steadman has treated some of the world's top sporting stars, and helped save the career of former Magpies striker Alan Shearer. Both Shearer, and another ex-Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy, benefited after turned to him with persistent knee problems. Shearer played on well into his 36th year, while Bellamy last week sealed a £6m move to Liverpool after regaining his fitness and form.

Owen said: "As soon as we get the operation out of the way, we will be looking forward to a fixed date or a fixed time to come back. The last few days has just been trying to get the swelling down and trying to get the knee as healthy as possible so we can get it operated on."

Steadman's services will not come cheaply, and that may strengthen the Magpies' case for increased compensation from the Football Association. The FA's insurers will take care of a percentage of Owen's £103,000-a-week wages. But the club, who made their own additional arrangements, will have to pay for the remainder, his treatment and his absence from the team.

Fifa has indicated its £6m compensation fund is intended to provide for players whose associations or clubs have not taken out an insurance policy. Chairman Freddy Shepherd has left the matter in the hands of the club's lawyers.