Rooney ruled out for Man United but Van der Sar makes welcome return

16 October 2009 11:17
Wayne Rooney is out of Manchester United's clash with Bolton. The striker was sidelined from England's midweek win over Belarus after hobbling off with a calf injury in the World Cup qualifying defeat in Ukraine last Saturday. Despite returning straight to United's Carrington training ground for treatment, the striker will not be fit to face the Trotters, when Edwin van der Sar will be in goal. Ferguson does retain an outside hope that Rooney will be available forWednesday's Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow. However, Rooney's first child is due to be born around that date so the striker may sit it out anyway. A return for the key clash with Liverpool at Anfield on October 25 is more likely. Back: Edwin van der Sar 'Calf injuries can be troublesome,' said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. 'We are trying our best to get him fit for Wednesday but I have my doubts on that.  'Wayne should be fit for the Liverpool game. We know how difficult these things can be so we will not be taking anychances with the Moscow trip.' For Van der Sar it is a welcome first appearance of the season after he broke two fingers during a friendly with Bayern Munich in July. Ben Foster has had his difficulties in goal since and Ferguson has no hesitation in bringing the veteran Dutchman back. 'Edwin plays tomorrow,' said Ferguson. 'He had a reserve game 10 days ago and has come through that fine.  'He has been training for quite a spell now but with a hand injury you don't take any chances and that game has given him a good confidence boost.' Ferguson also confirmed Michael Own is available after a recent groin problem, although the Scot is still waiting for the return of Dimitar Berbatov, whose partner has had a baby in their native Bulgaria, to declare whether he is in the right frame of mind to play before deciding on his final line-up.

Source: Daily_Mail