Rooney to miss United's Bolton game

Fri Oct 16 2009 20:08:22

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled Wayne Rooney out of Manchester United's Premier League match with Bolton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The striker picked up a calf injury during England's World Cup qualifying defeat in the Ukraine last weekend.

Despite returning straight to United's training ground for treatment, the striker will not be fit to face the Trotters, when Edwin Van Der Saar will return in goal.

Ferguson does retain an outside hope that Rooney will be available for Wednesday's Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow, although a return for the key clash with Liverpool at Anfield on October 25 is more likely.

"Calf injuries can be troublesome," said Ferguson.

"We are trying our best to get him fit for Wednesday but I have my doubts on that. But Wayne should be fit for the Liverpool game."

He added: "We know how difficult these things can be so we will not be taking any chances with the Moscow trip."

For Van Der Sar it is a welcome first appearance of the season after he broke two fingers during a friendly with Bayern Munich in July.

Ben Foster has had his difficulties in goal since and Ferguson has no hesitation in bringing the veteran Dutchman back.

"Edwin plays," said Ferguson. "He had a reserve game ten days ago and has come through that fine. He has been training for quite a spell now but with a hand injury you don't take any chances and that game has given him a good confidence boost."

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