Glenn Roeder says he is not contemplating Michael Owen playing again for Newcastle this season.
Owen is on the road to recovery, having suffered a serious knee injury while on international duty at the World Cup finals.
The striker is working on his recovery following two knee operations and said recently that he was hopeful of playing again before the season draws to a close.
Roeder admits it would be a tremendous boost to have Owen available at some point this season, but feels it is more realistic to think towards next term.
"Michael says it is feeling strong and he reckons there's a chance we might get him fit before the end of the season," Roeder told The Sun. "If that happens it would be a massive bonus.
"I can't tell you what a bonus it would be to have Michael fit before the end of the season. But we also have to accept there's a potential that it might not happen.
"I think it's important his aim is to get back before the end of the season. He's right to set that target and I hope he makes it.
"But Michael hasn't kicked a ball yet - he's nowhere near being able to do that."