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Wayne Rooney injury latest: Manchester United striker provides huge boost after training ahead of Bayern Munich tie

The England striker had been doubtful for the Champions League quarter-final second leg

Simon Rice
Tuesday 08 April 2014 17:58 BST
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Wayne Rooney trains with Manchester United
Wayne Rooney trains with Manchester United (GETTY IMAGES)

Wayne Rooney has provided Manchester United with a massive boost before the Champions League quarter-final second leg meeting with Bayern Munich.

The striker missed Saturday's victory over Newcastle with a foot injury and there had been fears he would not be ready for Wednesday night's game at the Allianz Arena - however those fears have been allayed.

Rooney took part in today's training session ahead of the decisive leg and appears certain to start.

With Robin van Persie missing through injury, having Rooney out as well would have been seen as a real hindrance to United's hopes of progression, particular with David Moyes' side needing to score in Germany if they are to reach the last four of the competition.

Writing on his Facebook page after today's session, Rooney said: "Good training session with the lads ahead of the Bayern Munich match tomorrow night.

"It's a massive game for us against a top side but we'll be going in confident and looking to progress into the semi-finals."

Bayern Munich defender Dante regards the availability of Rooney as a major boost for the visitors.

“I played against Rooney for Brazil,” said the centre-back. “He is a world-class striker. He reads the game well, he’s lightning-fast over the first few yards and he has a brilliant shot."

That Rooney looks certain to feature in the Manchester United starting XI comes as little surprise to Bayern manager Pep Guardiola, despite fears he wouldn't be ready, with the former Barcelona coach willing to put a wager on it.

"Rooney is going to play, 100 per cent," he said. "He is going to play, I bet you a big big glass of beer."

Guardiola went on to describe Rooney as "a big player, one of the best I have seen in my career."

Rooney, 28, suffered a toe injury in the first leg against Bayern.

Initial reports referred to bruising but there have been unconfirmed suggestions that the player might even have chipped a bone in his foot.

Rooney, however, appeared to have no adverse reaction to the injury and he seemed in good spirits during training.

Defender Rafael, who has been out with a hamstring injury, did not feature.

Midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who complained of feeling dizzy during the 4-0 Barclays Premier League win at St James' Park, was another absentee.

Jonny Evans, returning from a calf injury, was involved fresh from playing for the under-21s on Monday.

Patrice Evra (knee), Ryan Giggs (groin) and Ashley Young (hand) also took part despite injury concerns.

Juan Mata, who did train, misses the game through ineligibility while Robin van Persie is also out with a knee injury.

The odds remain against United as they take on the European champions, despite their creditable performance in the first leg.

Yet for Rooney, confidence that United can not only triumph but go on to win the competition, is still high.

The England forward told UEFA.com: "Of course (I believe we can win it).

"Everyone has their favourites every year - the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich - but it does not always happen.

"When Chelsea won it they nearly went out of the competition three times.

"We believe we can go through. We have good enough players.

"It will be tough because in my opinion Bayern and Barcelona are the two best teams left in the competition, so we have to be at our best.

"We are ready. It's an exciting game for us all - the players and the fans - and it's a massive game to be involved in."

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