Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca has spoken of his respect for Alan Shearer and revealed his sorrow for the challenge which could have ended the Newcastle skipper's career.

The Argentinian was an unwitting participant in the incident in which Shearer suffered suspected knee ligament damage during Monday's 4-1 home defeat .

Arca and Tommy Miller challenged the 35-year-old, who had earlier converted a 61st-minute penalty, and the South American landed on the former England captain's left knee.

Shearer swiftly absolved Arca of any blame and, as he awaits a scan tomorrow which will determine whether he can play again, the 25-year-old Black Cats midfielder will be keeping his fingers crossed.

''It was a total accident,'' he said. ''Tommy and I tried to tackle Alan Shearer and when he went down, I fell on top of him.

''It wasn't a foul, it was just unfortunate that I landed on top of his knee as we went down.

''I'm pleased that Alan doesn't blame me - he is a great player and I have a lot of respect for him.

''I hope the injury is not as serious as everyone thinks.''

Shearer, chairman Freddy Shepherd and caretaker boss Glenn Roeder have all admitted they fear the worst and that the club's all-time top scorer will have to sit out the remaining three games of the Premiership season and his own testimonial against Celtic on May 11.

With Shola Ameobi also out with a fractured jaw, the spotlight has inevitably returned to £16m signing Michael Owen.

However, the England striker will not be rushed back from his metatarsal injury and remains on schedule to return to the squad for the trip to Birmingham the weekend after next.

Roeder is hoping to have Turkish midfielder Emre back for Saturday's visit of relegation-threatened West Brom to St James' Park.

But the former Inter Milan man is only rated 50-50 after being allowed to return to his native country for treatment to a groin problem.

''Emre has kept in touch,'' said Roeder.

''He says he is a lot better and is desperate to play against West Brom, but his chances cannot be any better than 50-50.''