Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson can't see Wayne Rooney playing any part in the World Cup.
Fergie said last night: "At the moment I doubt Wayne will take part in the World Cup because of the recovery time.
Fergie said last night: "At the moment I doubt Wayne will take part in the World Cup because of the recovery time.
"At first we didn't think it was too bad. But when we sent him for the scan it identified the problem and we realised what a crippling blow it was for the boy and for England."
The initial diagnosis for Rooney's recovery was six weeks and England boss Sven Goran Eriksson still hopes he will be able to play in part of this summer's competition. But Ferguson clearly believes that is wishful thinking on England's part.
The same injury saw Rooney limp out of Euro 2004 early in the quarter-final game with Portugal.
Ferguson said: "I would think this injury is even more of a killer blow to him because he knows he's missing major tournaments. This time round it's even worse because he's more mature.
"He is a more rounded player who has improved dramatically over the last two years. So it's a real, real blow.
"If England don't have Rooney they will need to look at getting inspiration from their other top senior players."
The initial diagnosis for Rooney's recovery was six weeks and England boss Sven Goran Eriksson still hopes he will be able to play in part of this summer's competition. But Ferguson clearly believes that is wishful thinking on England's part.
The same injury saw Rooney limp out of Euro 2004 early in the quarter-final game with Portugal.
Ferguson said: "I would think this injury is even more of a killer blow to him because he knows he's missing major tournaments. This time round it's even worse because he's more mature.
"He is a more rounded player who has improved dramatically over the last two years. So it's a real, real blow.
"If England don't have Rooney they will need to look at getting inspiration from their other top senior players."
