Football
Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC 7y

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney likely to be fit for Rostov - sources

Wayne Rooney is in contention to return for Manchester United for Thursday's Europa League clash against FC Rostov at Old Trafford, sources have told ESPN FC.

Rooney, 31, was forced to miss Monday's FA Cup quarterfinal defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after being injured during training on Sunday morning. 

A collision with United teammate Phil Jones saw Rooney sustain a leg injury that prevented him from completing the training session.

But sources have told ESPN FC that Rooney suffered nothing more serious than a dead leg and that the England captain has a good chance of being available for selection when Rostov visit Old Trafford for the round-of-16 second leg following last Thursday's 1-1 draw in Russia.

Rooney has made just one appearance for United since the beginning of February, with injury and illness seeing him sidelined until the 1-1 draw at home to Bournemouth on March 4.

Jose Mourinho had planned to use Rooney as a lone striker at Chelsea, in the absence of the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic, prior to the forward being ruled out by his injury.

Marcus Rashford eventually played that role after overcoming a prematch illness to take his place in the team. 

Ibrahimovic is eligible to face Rostov due to his three-match ban applying only to domestic games.

And midfielder Ander Herrera, who earned a two-match ban by receiving his second red card of the season at Chelsea, will also be available against Rostov before serving his suspension in the Premier League games against Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion.

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