Owen is facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering a thigh strain and the injury has had many critics questioning why McClaren picked him for the friendly.
McClaren Cannot Explain Owen Injury!
But the 27-year-old has not looked himself all season, and the point was made on SKY TV's "Sunday Supplement".
One reporter who covers Newcastle matches said: "It could so easily have happened playing against Croatia or for Newcastle. That has been Owen's season, I'm afraid."
McClaren: "It is an unusual thing that has happened.
One reporter who covers Newcastle matches said: "It could so easily have happened playing against Croatia or for Newcastle. That has been Owen's season, I'm afraid."
McClaren: "It is an unusual thing that has happened.
"Normally, you would pull a thigh muscle in the act of kicking or sprinting. In this instance, Michael has pulled it in the thigh of his standing leg.
"He knew straightaway. He just felt something go.
"It is so disappointing for him but we will not know the extent of the injury until it is scanned."
Given the length of time it took Owen to fully recover from his previous injuries playing for his country, it is not hard to imagine the frustration that will be felt on Tyneside.
At £18million, his further absence is bound to fuel the usual club versus country debate.
Newcastle have not had value for money, and Sam Allardyce is trying hard to silence the doubters among the St James' Park faithful.
There has been talk of Owen leaving in the January transfer window, and Sam must be wondering if now is the time to cash in on his star striker.