Wayne Rooney is to have a hernia operation after playing
in England's friendly against the United States
tonight.
The Manchester United striker has been struggling for
fitness since he received a boot in the top of his hip from
Blackburn's Ryan Nelsen on Apr 19.
The nature of the injury first became apparent three
weeks ago but while most hernias require immediate surgery, United
decided that a combination of rest and painkillers would enable
Rooney to last until the end of their season.
Rooney is likely to be paired up front with West Ham's
Dean Ashton tonight as Fabio Capello looks to sharpen the England
attack, but he will miss Saturday's trip to Trinidad and Tobago
along with the other United and Chelsea players who competed in the
Champions League final in Moscow.
Rooney's injuries last season included damaging an
ankle during training last November, although on that occasion he
recovered in just two weeks.