Scout Scribbles – Rooney Shows His Scars

Wayne Rooney goes public with pictures of the head injury that casts major question marks over his availability for United’s game with Palace. Phil Bardsley returns to the Sunderland frame after the Black Cars lift the right-back’s suspension, Aaron Ramsey is the subject of Arsene Wenger’s praise, while Ian Holloway omits a couple of new signings from Palace’s 25-man squad for the season ahead:

Rooney Reveals Horror Show Injury

Wayne Rooney has taken to Facebook to reveal the extent of his head injury that will keep him out of England’s qualifiers with Moldova and Ukraine. The grizzly picture of Rooney’s head wound, suffered in a training ground collision with team-mate Phil Jones, was accompanied with a statement from the United forward explaining his withdrawal from Roy Hodgson’s squad.

“Some people seem to be questioning my commitment to the England squad and the fact I had to pull out of the two games. There’s nothing I would like more than to be helping the lads in the qualifiers. I’m sure people will see from these images the reason why I won’t be able to play.”

The Scout Says: Hardly pleasant viewing, it’s nonetheless clear from the images that Rooney’s injury is far from straightforward. Described by Theo Walcott as “like something from a horror film”, the severity of the wound will surely delay Rooney’s return to action and make him a real doubt for United’s Gameweek 4 home clash with Crystal Palace. Those considering Rooney as a viable altnerative to cover Robin van Persie’s potential against Ian Holloway’s side will likely have to set their sights elsewhere. While there is no confirmed length of absence, investment in Rooney as a Fantasy option has stalled until we know more.

Bardsley Back in the Black Cats Fold

Phil Bardsley has had his suspension lifted by Sunderland. Disciplinary action was taken against the defender after he appeared to mock his team-mates following the opening day defeat to Fulham via his Instagram account. Bardsley was subsequently suspended from playing duties but has now acknowledged his actions and looks set to focuse on a return to first team duties.

“I would like to apologise to the club and supporters for my comments made on social media. I understand how they may have been interpreted. I accept the punishment that has been handed to me by the football club and will now focus my attention and efforts on rehabilitation and regaining my fitness.”

The Scout Says: With new signing, Ondrej Celustka, settled at right-back so far this term, Bardsley faces an uphill struggle to edge his way into contention for a recall. Having said that, it’s always difficult to anticipate Paolo Di Canio’s thinking when it comes to his teamsheet, having witnessed wholesale changes over the opening Gameweeks. Celustka, at just 4.5 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is currently a cheap route into the Sunderland rearguard but short-term investment is very unlikely given current form and, more significantly, a schedule that brings Arsenal, Liverpool and United to the Stadium of Light over the next four Gameweeks.

Ramsey Earns Praise as Diaby Steps Up Recovery

Arsene Wenger has switched attention away from new signing Mesut Ozil to focus on, arguably, Arsenal’s most accomplished performer this season, Aaron Ramsey. The Gunners boss has acknowledged Ramsey’s form, highlighting an increase in strength and finishing ability as the key components to his progress:

“He [Ramsey] has gained a lot of physical power in the last year, no longer struggling in challenges and duels but brushing opponents off and running away from them with ease. It’s a great feeling for a midfielder to do that. On top of that, he’s starting to score – something I always felt he was close to doing because he was often the next guy in the box. To have that in your locker as well is fantastic.”

Abou Diaby is another Arsenal midfielder in the news as he has broken his silence following a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury back in March. Diaby has now stepped up his recovery and is looking ahead to knocking on the first team door.

“I’m working back to my best level and beyond. I want to catch the train and bring something to the team. That’s my objective.”

The Scout Says: Ozil’s arrival offers an obvious new asset in the Arsenal ranks, although Fantasy managers also need to assess the impact he will have on the players around him. Ramsey, in particular, could remain a midfield option and, with a 5.6 FPL price tag, would certainly warrant interest in a side boosted in confidence and scoring goals. It remains to be seen how Ozil’s arrival will impact on his starts. With MIkel Arteta’s return from injury and Jack Wilshere fully fit, Wenger would clearly have a wealth of options in the middle of the park. Certainly, Diaby’s ambitions may have to be tempered. It’s difficult to see an immediate route back into the side for the Frenchman.

Palace Omit New Signings

Crystal Palace have named their 25-man squad for the Premier League campaign, omitting summer signings, Stephen Dobbie and Florian Marange along with Aaron Wilbraham and Owen Garvan. The latter had started the previous three matches prior to the Sunderland victory, while Marange was yet to figure in the league following his summer move from Bordeaux. Ian Holloway signed 16 players during this recent transfer window.

The Scout Says: With so many new faces arriving at Selhurst Park, including what seemed a deadline day scramble, it’s perhaps not surprising to see names culled from the 25-man squad. Holloway’s options, particularly in wide areas, looks bewildering and it’s incredibly difficult to assess what his likely first choice starting XI will be. Fantasy managers who have already invested in Palace as a source of budget talent can now only sit back and hope that their assets remains intact but, with competition for starts all over the pitch, it’s clear it will take a number of weeks before we can run the rule over Palace’s potential with any real certainty. It’s worth noting that Under 21 players – such as Jonathan Williams – are available for selection over and above the 25-man limit; hence the youngster’s omission from the list.