Rooney faces further wait




Wayne Rooney faces a wait of 19 days before a second scan on his injured metatarsal will reveal whether he can resume full training. A statement from Manchester United released on Friday morning said that the club was satisfied with his period of recovery but confirmed he will require another scan on 14 June to determine when he can start training again.

It read: "A further CT scan will be performed in Manchester on June 14 to assess further his recovery and a decision will then be made as to whether he can begin to participate in football training."

However, even if Rooney was given the all-clear to resume training immediately after the scan, he would have barely a week to get himself fit for a potential Round of 16 game.

Go to the England team page

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Wayne has trained incredibly hard. We have continually supported Wayne with his fight to get to the World Cup but it is obvious that we have to be certain he is physically and mentally fit.

"The specialist has confirmed what we have always thought and we are confident in that assessment in that we are satisfied with Wayne's progress."
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said he was 'delighted' with the news and confirmed that he will meet up with the rest of the England squad in Manchester on Sunday.

Rooney will continue his rehabilitation with Manchester United's medical staff at their Carrington training ground and will then fly to Germany with the England party on 5 June.
Eriksson said: "This is very encouraging news. I'm looking forward to Wayne joining up with the rest of the squad on Sunday. The fact that he is flying out to Germany with us will give everyone a huge lift.

"I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson today and we had a really good conversation. Despite all the speculation, there has been a very positive dialogue with Manchester United all along.

"We are very grateful for the support that they have given Wayne and the England team. We're still hoping that the second scan will show further improvement and that Wayne can play his part in the World Cup."

retrieved from fifaworldcup