Wayne Rooney is set to miss the Manchester derby after being ruled out of action for another five weeks by Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Manchester United manager, whose side beat Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, revealed the striker’s recovery from an ankle injury picked up in training will keep him on the sidelines for longer than first anticipated.
“I think Wayne Rooney will be out for another five weeks,” said Ferguson. “He’ll have to pick up his fitness again. I would think five weeks should be about right.”
The 26-year-old England international, who signed a new five-year deal at Old Trafford, has not featured for United since his side’s 2-2 draw against West Brom, but it was hoped he may recover in time for the Manchester derby on 10 November.
But Ferguson confirmed on Sunday that Rooney will play no part in United’s clash with their city rivals at Eastlands.
“No chance,” added the United boss. “Any player who has been out for a few weeks – you want them 100 per cent and not breaking down.”