Soccer:Alex Ferguson has left the door open for a Champions League return for Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford tomorrow night. Rooney had been expected to be missing for two to three weeks but Ferguson was ambiguous when questioned about the Manchester United striker's availability today.
Ferguson at first rejected the notion of an appearance in the return match with Bayern Munich tomorrow night, insisting Rooney had “no chance” of being involved as United seek to overturn a 2-1 deficit.
However, seconds later he said he didn’t “think” Rooney would be on the bench, before adding that he expected the 24-year-old to try to change his mind before he confirms his squad an hour before kick-off.
Any chance, however slight, of Rooney being involved will be seized upon by supporters desperate for some good news at the end of a dismal week which could see United’s European aspirations brought to an end.
“He has no chance,” Ferguson began. “We have made some good progress with the lad and the medical team have done fantastic.
“But I am not prepared to take a risk on a player who is not 100 per cent fit. They are looking more at the Manchester City game, maybe Blackburn as a substitute. That is possible.
“But it is an ankle injury, the same as any other. He is no different to anyone else.”
Asked directly whether Rooney could be on the bench, Ferguson replied: “I don’t think so, although he will maybe talk me into it. It is a difficult one.”
At the very least, the debate surrounding Rooney will have created doubt in the mind of Bayern coach Louis van Gaal about the forward’s availability.
Republic of Ireland international John O’Shea could play some part for the first time since November's World Cup play-off defeat to France after recovering from a a dead leg sustained on that fateful night in Paris.
While Rooney remains a major doubt, Bayern Munich's Dutch winger Arjen Robben has declared himself ready to play in the second leg.
"I have not come here just to sit in the stands," he told a news conference on Tuesday. "I am here so that's a good sign and I feel fit enough to play."
Robben, whose goal against Fiorentina sent Bayern into the quarter-finals, missed the first leg with a calf injury but van Gaal said on Monday he hoped the winger would have recovered for Wednesday's match.