Rooney should be fit for Bolton game

SOCCER NEWS: WAYNE ROONEY should be fit to lead Manchester United’s title challenge at Bolton Wanderers this weekend, despite…

SOCCER NEWS:WAYNE ROONEY should be fit to lead Manchester United's title challenge at Bolton Wanderers this weekend, despite concerns the striker suffered an injury in the defeat of Liverpool.

The England international limped away from Old Trafford on Sunday having scored his 33rd goal of a remarkable campaign in the 2-1 victory over Rafael Benitez’s team. United have not confirmed the nature of Rooney’s problem but the 24-year-old, who missed the 1-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers this month with a knee injury, was not among those players who reported for treatment at the club’s Carrington complex yesterday.

Only United’s injured contingent were expected at the training ground, with the rest of the first-team squad given the day off, and Rooney’s non-appearance has eased fears that he aggravated or sustained a problem during a typically hard-fought clash with Liverpool.

Rooney suffered inflamed tendons in a kneecap following England’s friendly against Egypt, when his 86-minute appearance at Wembley prompted Alex Ferguson to suggest the striker’s determination to play had contributed to the injury and subsequent absence at Molineux.

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Sunday marked the striker’s 45th game this season, with the demands of the Premier League title race, Champions League and a World Cup to come.

Michael Owen, meanwhile, has admitted he has no chance of featuring this season but remains committed to his contract despite the frustrations of his first season in Manchester.

Owen, who suffered a detached hamstring in the League Cup final victory over Aston Villa, also revealed he has an option for a third season at United as part of his free transfer from Newcastle United last summer.

The 30-year-old said: “I had the operation two weeks ago, so I’m going to be on crutches for six weeks now. I’m not allowed to do anything on it for six weeks, so I am definitely out for the season. I’m just looking to next season now. And I’ll be back in a United jersey.”

Guardian Service