Rooney Out; Tevez and Evans battle for fitness

15 January 09 by Bill

As if losing Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand wasn’t enough, Wayne Rooney has been ruled out for three weeks after suffering an injury in the early stages of Wednesday’s 1 – 0 win over Wigan.

“It is a hamstring injury,” Ferguson said. “That will be about three weeks. We hope it is no longer.”

Rooney scored the game’s only goal in the opening minute and lasted just four more before he was withdrawn and replaced with Carlos Tevez. Rooney has scored 10 goals this season and is known for scoring in bursts; he has scored 5 in 5 games twice already this season so his injury comes as an even bigger blow when you consider he had scored in his last 2 matches.

United’s injury problems seem to be building up at just the wrong time with Rooney’s natural replacement Carlos Tevez also struggling for fitness; as is Jonny Evans.

“Carlos limped through the second half and Jonny limped through virtually the whole game,” revealed Ferguson.

“We will have to assess them and see how they are. We need our best team on Saturday because Bolton are a big side.”