INJURY WOES as Manchester United Captain Wayne Rooney May Miss Chelsea Clash as de Gea Returns

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is a doubt for Sunday's (16 April) Premier Leaguevisit of champions-elect Chelsea after being ruled out of the Europa League quarter-final against Anderlecht. The record England goalscorer has been nursing an ankle injury and has not travelled to Belgium for the first leg later today (13 April).

Goalkeeper David de Gea missed last weekend's win over Sunderland with a hip problem, while Ashley Young has a groin injury. All three players have trained ahead of the club's latest European outing but will not be considered from the start. However, the greatest concern is over Rooney, who did not consider himself fit enough for selection.

Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Juan Mata remain out and were the only players not to train in Manchester prior to travelling to Belgium. Sergio Romero will start in goal, with de Gea expected to be named on the United bench.

"He's not happy with his condition," Mourinho said of Rooney, according to United's official website. "He's trying to work with the team, when he does he's not confident, he's not happy, he has bad feelings with his ankle and trained today. Let's see for the weekend or for the next. We need everyone with minimum condition to play, to try to be available."

The Portuguese coach added: "De Gea's injury is not serious and Romero, every time he plays, he plays so well. The fans are used to having Romero in goal in the competition [the Europa League] – that becomes the most important competition for us after winning the League Cup.

Source/Credit: ibtimes

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