Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney could be fit to face Montenegro in England’s Euro 2012 qualifier on October 12 (England 9/1 Euro 2012 outright).
The 24-year-old striker has been struggling with an ankle problem and aggravated the injury during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Bolton.
He was substituted just after the hour mark and Ferguson revealed that he would be out of action for at least three weeks, ruling him out of England’s third Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.
However, speaking on United’s in-house TV station, MUTV, and on local radio the veteran tactician revealed that the former Everton man is progressing well and could be ready to return for Fabio Capello’s side in under two weeks’ time.
Rooney has struggled so far this term, with Ferguson admitting that tabloid reports about his private life have affected the talented hit-man, and he was left out of the United side that drew 3-3 with Rooney’s former club Everton back on September 11.
He also cut a peripheral figure at last summer’s World Cup in South Africa and failed to make the expected impact during England’s woeful campaign.
England, and Rooney in particular, are still trying to win back the England fans who have become less forgiving after seeing their heroes put in such abject displays last summer.
Two victories from their opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers have gone some way to building a bridge back to the supporters but they will need to put in another improved display against Montenegro, who have also garnered six points from their opening two games in Group G.
The United manager revealed that Rooney was keen to play against Sunderland in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light but he will not be in the squad as the boss is keen to make sure the injury is 100 per cent before a return to action (United 4/6 to beat Sunderland).
“Wayne trained yesterday and he wants to play tomorrow,” he told local radio station Key103. “But I have to take the view that this injury has been niggling away for a while and he kept on playing.
“I have to be dead sure that I am doing the right thing because Wayne has not been doing himself justice. I think in a week he will be fine. Obviously we don’t play in a week, so it is up to Fabio Capello whether he wants him to.”
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