Rooney Suffers Ligament Blow

Wayne Rooney could face “two or three weeks” on the sidelines with a ligament injury sustained in training according to Sir Alex Ferguson. Talking after his side’s dramatic 4-3 win over Newcastle, the United boss delivered the news after the striker was omitted from the matchday squad…

“Wayne did it in training yesterday, he could be out for 2-3 weeks. He did it towards the end of training yesterday. He did it when trying a volley – he strained a ligament behind the knee. It’s unfortunate, and he could be out for two to three weeks.”

It seems likely that Rooney will now miss matches against West Brom, Wigan and the FA Cup tie with West Ham; the home clash with Liverpool on January 12 could be a target for his return, although Ferguson’s early prognosis could see him struggle to make that date.

Rooney had enjoyed a purple patch of form of late, notching five goals in three league starts prior to Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Swansea. That saw Rooney’s Fantasy ownership pick up and his Fantasy Premier League value rise to 12.0. having dipped to 11.7. This latest injury will turn the tide against him again, presumably cementing Robin Van Persie’s starts, even over this busy holiday period.

Javier Hernandez took his opportunity to shine today with a goal and assist that help United to a hard-fought three points and he will seemingly be well placed to start once again with the visit of the Baggies on Saturday. Ferguson must now decide whether he can risk resting Van Persie for that game, given his defence’s propensity to leak goals. Danny Welbeck was ruled out of the reckoning today through illness but could factor at the weekend.