Don't run the risk of another break, doctor warns Rooney

omgukilledkenny

9 Sep 07, 14:19

Wayne Rooney's World Cup doctor has warned the sidelined England star he will risk another broken foot if he returns from injury too soon.

Manchester United forward Rooney, out with a broken metatarsal for the third time in three years, is desperate to make his comeback in United's game at his former club Everton on Saturday.

That would mean just a fiveweek lay-off, the quickest return of any top player to suffer a broken metatarsal in recent years.

David Beckham, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Gary Neville, Scott Parker and Danny Murphy all took at least seven weeks to recover.

Rooney was out for six weeks last year and 14 in 2004.

Professor Chris Moran, who assessed Rooney's metatarsal before the World Cup and an expert in bone and muscle injuries, said: 'Wayne is a fit, young lad very, very keen to return as he lives to play football. But players must be held back to stop themselves causing more damage. If you come back too early, there's a risk of re-fracturing and having a setback.

'Full-blooded and combative players (like Rooney) are more likely to get injured but Wayne's been very unlucky to have three.'

iceFatboy

10 Sep 07, 11:10

maybe, he can try SAF boots.. can even withstand a bomb, right??

Slipshade

11 Sep 07, 17:00

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney looks set to make a swift return to action.

Rooney has been out since fracturing a bone in his left foot during United's goalless draw with Reading on the opening day of the Premier League season.

He was not considered for England's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia and was expected to be sidelined for a further month.

However, reports suggest he could be back as early as this weekend after a new x-ray showed the healing process was ahead of schedule.

Everton chance

There is a chance Rooney could be on the bench for United's clash with former club Everton on Saturday, or their UEFA Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon next Wednesday.

A more realistic target could be the crucial game against Chelsea on 23rd September.

United have been short of goals in Rooney's absence, especially as Cristiano Ronaldo has also had to serve a three-match suspension.

Source: Sky Sports

Aiyo... should really think long-term instead of short-term. Sad