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Rooney out of Belarus game

Man Utd striker withdraws from squad with calf injury

By Richard Bailey Last updated: 11th October 2009

Rooney: Pulls out of England squad

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Wayne Rooney has pulled out of the England squad for the game with Belarus on Wednesday with a calf injury.

Meanwhile Steven Gerrard has had his groin problem, which forced him off at half-time against Ukraine, assessed and he will remain with the squad.

The news will come as a blow to Fabio Capello but the Manchester United striker's injury will give someone else the chance to impress ahead of next summer's World Cup finals.

The 23-year-old was arguably England's best player in the 1-0 defeat to Ukraine on Saturday as 10-man England lost their 100 per cent record in qualifying.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be eager to have Rooney assessed ahead of United's game with Bolton at the weekend.