Wayne Rooney sidelined with hamstring injury
Stoke, England — Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is likely to be out for “more than a week” with a hamstring injury, manager Alex Ferguson said Saturday.
The England striker missed United’s 1-1 draw at Stoke after hurting himself in training.
Rooney could now miss the Champions League group match at home to Basel on Tuesday as well as Saturday’s Premier League game at home to Norwich.
Article continues after this advertisement“It’s not a serious hamstring injury but I don’t think he’ll be available for next week,” Ferguson said. “I think he’ll be out for more than a week.”
Rooney has been in superb form for United this season, scoring nine goals in all competitions — including Premier League hat tricks against Arsenal and Bolton.
He was joined on a lengthy United injury list by strike partner Javier Hernandez, who limped off with a dead leg after only three minutes against Stoke.
Article continues after this advertisementDefender Jonny Evans pulled out of the match during the warmup at the Britannia Stadium after he hurt his ankle in training on Friday, when Michael Carrick also was injured.
“We had a nightmare of a training session,” Ferguson said. “Jonny thought he’d be OK but in the warm-up it was no use.”
Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling, Rafael, Tom Cleverley and Darron Gibson are also sidelined. Rio Ferdinand and Danny Welbeck were back in Premier League action against Stoke.