WAYNE ROONEY TO MAKE SHOCKING RETURN AGAINST BAYERN MUNICH?

When Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney injured his ankle in last week’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, the entire British Commonwealth held their breath.  He’s not only the defending English Premier League champions’ top offensive weapon but was expected to spearhead the attack of England’s World Cup team this summer.  There was great relief when it was revealed to be only ‘ligament damage’ that would have Rooney out of the lineup for 3 to 6 weeks.  This weekend, however, there was a shocking development—sources close to the team suggest that Rooney is ‘40% likely’ to return for Wednesday’s rematch with Bayern Munich.

Basically, the original prognosis was much worse than the injury turned out to be.  The assumption now is that it was a simple ankle sprain, and Rooney has reportedly been making a remarkable recovery.  He’s nothing if not tough, and his amazing recuperative abilities are well known.  He has been working out on a stationary bicycle since Thursday under supervision of the Manchester United medical staff.

Up until now, the expectation was that Rooney would be out of the lineup for most, if not all, of the remaining English Premier League schedule.  The news that he’d be back in plenty of time for the World Cup was welcomed by ‘Three Lions’ fans but offered little relief for his team and their supporters.  Even the most optimistic projections had him out until April 17th when Manchester United will play the derby game against Manchester City.

Even if the Red Devils’ hierarchy decides that Rooney is not fit for Thursday’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg at Old Trafford, the British media is strongly suggesting that he’d be with the team as they travel to face the Blackburn Rovers next Sunday.  Manchester United needs a 1-0 win or better at home to advance to the Champions League semifinals.  

Rooney originally injured his ankle in the closing seconds of Man U’s 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich last week.  The initial diagnosis was very grave, with Sir Alex Ferguson declining comment and Rooney himself limping from the stadium on crutches with his foot in a protective boot.  Even the speculation that Rooney might be able to return in the near term should buoy the spirits of the Man U faithful, who have had a tough week with the Champions League loss followed by a 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Sunday.