Wayne Rooney could miss Sunderland match through illness

Wayne Rooney

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney could miss the club’s match against Sunderland this weekend after walking out of training with what is thought to be an illness, according to the Telegraph.

The striker scored twice in United’s 4-0 win at home to Norwich City last weekend, in Ryan Giggs’ first game in charge, and was a certainty to start this weekend. However, illness is thought to have forced him out of training yesterday and he’s now a doubt for the weekend.

It could be a big blow to Giggs who is hoping to have a fully fit squad for the remaining three games of the season. He is without Robin van Persie from the start this weekend as he only returned to training last week after suffering a knee injury against Olympiakos in the Champions League.

However, BBC Sport say that Rooney is suffering from a minor groin problem and that is also keeping him out of the weekend’s match. There are also slight concerns that the Englishman may not be fit in time for the World Cup, but they seem far-fetched.

“A few of the lads have had a bug,” said Giggs.

“Wayne Rooney has, Anders Lindegaard has. Wayne has a tight groin, too. Together with the bug, it means his immune system is down so we have to watch that.

“Wayne being Wayne, he wants to play and wants to be involved. We will monitor it over the next 24 hours.”

Wayne Rooney has created 56 chances this season, more than the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo (44).