Rooney back in United fold
14 Sep 2007 - 13:47:46
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will travel to Goodison Park for Manchester United's Premier League meeting with Everton on Saturday.
The England striker has been sidelined since suffering a fractured metatarsal against Reading on the opening day of the season.
Rooney may not be risked against his former club just five weeks after suffering the injury for the third time in his career, but Ferguson has confirmed the striker is ready to play if selected.
However, the 21-year-old could be held back until the Red Devils travel to Portugal to take on Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Wednesday.
"Rooney has trained very well," Ferguson told the club's official website.
"He'll travel with us to Goodison, but whether I start him, put him on the bench or leave him out until Wednesday, that's something I have to decide."
Meanwhile, Ferguson has also confirmed that Owen Hargreaves is a doubt for the Everton game as he continues to be dogged by the thigh strain which ruled him out of England's recent Euro 2008 double header.
"There's not a lot wrong with Owen," he continued. "He trained well today but I don't know whether we'll risk him against Everton. It's more likely he'll play in Lisbon on Wednesday."
However, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea are facing spells on the sidelines after picking up knocks while away on international duty with Scotland and the Republic of Ireland respectively.