Virus victim Rooney set to miss Toon clash
NEWCASTLE United are unlikely to face Wayne Rooney when they travel to Manchester United for their opening game of the new Premier League season.
The England forward is set to miss the Sunday, August 17, clash after picking up a virus.
It is believed the 22-year-old contracted the bug while in Nigeria with the Red Devils.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I doubt Wayne will be fit for the start of the season.
"It's a virus he picked up in Nigeria and it's not a nice one.
"He's not been back in training yet."
Cristiano Ronaldo will also miss the meeting with the Magpies as he recovers from an ankle operation.
As it stands, Ferguson only has Carlos Tevez, youngster Fraizer Campbell and Sunderland target Louis Saha to choose from up front.
"I don't know whether we will have a team ready," said Ferguson.
"Nani is suspended, Anderson is in the Olympic Games."
Newcastle are no strangers to striker problems with Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins, Mark Viduka, Shola Ameobi, Andy Carroll and Kazenga LuaLua all out through injury.
United, however, said they expect Owen and Martins to be ready for the Old Trafford opener.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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