Euro qualifier: Rooney a doubt for England vs Israel

Manchester United and England striker suffered a hairline fracture in United's 0-0 draw with Reading on Sunday.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Wayne Rooney 298.88 (photo credit: AP)
Wayne Rooney 298.88
(photo credit: AP)
Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney suffered a hairline fracture of his left foot in United's 0-0 draw with Reading on Sunday and may not recover in time for his country's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel on September 8. The striker picked up the injury when he tried to force the ball home at the near post and was tackled by Reading defender Michael Duberry in the first half. Although he was able to play on until halftime, United manager Alex Ferguson said the foot began to swell and he had to replace him for the second half. "He couldn't really stand on it," Ferguson said. "But it started to swell so there was no point in trying anything with the second half with him." The injury will rule Rooney out of several games for his club and England's friendly against Germany at Wembley on August 22. If it does not heal quickly, he will also be doubtful for England's games against Israel and Russia four days later. Rooney has joined a mounting England casualty list for coach Steve McClaren, which also includes captain John Terry (damaged knee ligaments), Gary Neville (ankle), Jonathan Woodgate (knee surgery), Ledley King (knee surgery), Wayne Bridge (hip surgery), Aaron Lennon (knee surgery) and Michael Owen (thigh).