With the 2013-2014 soccer season underway and World Cup qualifying set to resume across the wide spectrum of professional soccer, multiple clubs and international teams are prepping for key stretches of fixtures that could very well have serious implications on multiple levels. One of those teams hoping for early success despite a daunting schedule is Manchester United. Under the direction of first year manager David Moyes, the Red Devils hope an early loss to Liverpool won't be indicative of how the defending Premier League champs play under a new regime at Old Trafford.
While a significant level of talent can be found up and down the Man U roster with players such as Robin van Persie, Nani, Shinji Kagawa and newest Red Devil Marouane Fellaini, a familiar face could be sidelined for up to 3 weeks due to a recent injury. Participating in his tenth season at Old Trafford, 27-year-old Wayne Rooney won't be of much use to David Moyes and company since he recently suffered a significant forehead cut during a training session. Clipped by the boot in the middle of his forehead by teammate Phil Jones, Moyes is well aware that the midfielder may miss the upcoming Manchester derby on September 22 while also sitting out for England's next 2 World Cup qualifiers.
"It's right down the middle of his forehead where it takes a wee while to heal," Moyes said recently. "Probably three weeks. Phil Jones lifted his boot and caught him right down the middle of his forehead. He had a bad twist to his ankle so I couldn't give a definite."
English national teammate Theo Walcott said recently that Rooney's injury is really tough to look at and that it looks like "something out of a horror film." The forward also noted that even though it will be tough without Rooney during WCQ, the team still has extremely capable players who will be ready to fill the void left by Wayne Rooney.
"I have seen a picture and it is a very, very big gash," Walcott said to reporters. "It's not nice to see. It's like something out of a horror film. I have seen the actual injury and it is not a nice sight, to be honest. It is not going to help his looks I wouldn't think. It is sad to see but it is an opportunity for someone to come in and take their chance. It is great to see Danny (Sturridge) still here at the moment, that's a positive. Danny Welbeck has started the season well for his club and Rickie Lambert has had a great start to his England career, so the manager has some great options."
England's next 2 qualifying matches are against Moldova and Ukraine while Manchester United's next Premier League contest will be on September 14 against Crystal Palace.
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