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Friday, 26 May 2006, 04:16 GMT 05:16 UK

Rooney awaiting World Cup verdict

Wayne Rooney Wayne Rooney is set to discover on Friday what his chances of playing in the World Cup finals are.

The England striker, 20, underwent a scan on his broken foot on Thursday and the results are due to be analysed by specialists on Friday.

Manchester United doctor Tony Gill will then tell England counterpart Leif Sward what the results were.

"It will be huge for the country if he can be ready during the World Cup," said England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"It is important to wait until he sees the scan, then we will know the answer for sure."

Eriksson said he had not spoken to Rooney since he had the scan at the BUPA hospital in Whalley Range, Manchester.

Fifa has imposed a deadline of 30 May for England to indicate whether Rooney is likely to be fit to play.

"Each team has to confirm by May 30 that their players are fit," said Fifa medical officer Dr Jiri Dvorak.

"If Rooney is on the list that is confirmation it is anticipated he will have recovered in time to participate."

However, if Rooney broke down with the foot injury between 30 May and 9 June coach Sven-Goran Eriksson would still be able to replace him in his squad.

Journalists and photographers try to get a glimpse as Rooney arrives at the hospital in Manchester

Depending on Rooney's progress, he could resume light training immediately after the outcome of the scan is known.

Rooney suffered the injury in United's 3-0 defeat by Chelsea on 29 April.

United insist the departure of Dr Mike Stone, the physician who was in charge of Rooney's recovery, is not connected with his handling of the situation.

"Dr Stone has left after a difference of opinion on a non-footballing and non-clinical issue," said a statement.

"It had nothing to do with any medical treatment to a United player."

But the statement did not specify with whom Stone, who also worked part-time for the English Institute of Sport, had the difference of opinion which led to his departure.

Eriksson was anxious not to get drawn into the controversy surrounding Stone's surprising exit.

"Man Utd took the decision they took," said Eriksson.

"I suppose they are extremely well covered behind Mr Stone. I am not worried about that."

Stone, who had been at Old Trafford for 10 years, has liaised with Sward and given him updates on the 20-year-old striker's condition over the past few weeks.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been playing down Rooney's hopes of playing in the World Cup while Sward has always remained positive following his consultations with United's medical staff.

Earlier this week Sward claimed Rooney was making "a perfect recovery".

Stone left United on Monday and emailed his former colleagues at Old Trafford to tell them: "I am leaving with immediate effect, it has been a pleasure working with you all."




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Related to this story:

Rooney set for World Cup decision (22 May 06 |  England )
Rooney 'making perfect recovery' (22 May 06 |  England )
England wait on next Rooney scan (17 May 06 |  England )
Beckham wary over Rooney comeback (14 May 06 |  England )
England team guide (27 Apr 06 |  England )
World Cup fixtures (09 Dec 05 |  Schedule )
Have your say on the World Cup (28 Apr 06 |  )
BBC World Cup coverage (27 Apr 06 |  BBC coverage )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Fifa
Official England website
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