Rooney doubt to face Reds

Red Devils striker still suffering with calf strain

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 23rd October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rooney doubt to face Reds

Rooney: Could miss Reds clash

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Wayne Rooney remains doubtful for Manchester United's clash with arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The striker is still affected by a calf injury that forced him to pull out of the England squad 10 days ago.

Rooney, who will be 24 on the day of the game, will train on Friday and Saturday before a decision on his fitness will be made.

The news could present Michael Owen with the chance to start against his former club while manager Sir Alex Ferguson may opt to deploy Dimitar Berbatov as a lone striker should Rooney miss out.

One thing is certain, the England international will be striving to recover in time for the game having grown up a boyhood Everton fan.

Darren Fletcher is also struggling to be fit in time for Sunday's game, live on Sky Sports 1 & HD1, but Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra are available.

Doubts

"On the injury front I can't give a clear picture, there are still some doubts about Rooney and Fletcher," said Ferguson.

"He (Rooney) is always desperate to play, that's the nature of the boy. Of course, you can't let that cloud the realistic side of things. It's going to be important how he does in training on Saturday.

"We'll see if Wayne does train on Saturday and then we'll have a better idea.

"Patrice is fit, and Ryan is also fine, but Ji-sung is out unfortunately. Everyone is fit from after Wednesday's game in Moscow."