Jose Mourinho unsure on Wayne Rooney fitness for EFL Cup final

By James Dale

Image: Wayne Rooney is yet to return to training due to a muscular injury, says Jose Mourinho

Wayne Rooney is in danger of missing Manchester United's EFL Cup final after Jose Mourinho raised doubts over his fitness.

United captain Rooney has missed their last two Premier League matches and was left out of the FA Cup fifth-round win over Blackburn Rovers on Sunday after Mourinho revealed he was struggling with a minor muscular injury last week.

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The last time Rooney started a league game for United was the 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on December 17 and the England skipper has been linked with a move away from the club before the end of February when the Chinese Super League transfer window shuts.

Asked if Rooney will be fit for the EFL Cup final with Southampton at Wembley on Sunday, Mourinho replied: "I don't know."

United face the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie against St Etienne on Wednesday before the weekend trip to Wembley, and Mourinho admitted certain first-team regulars were left out of the Blackburn game to protect them.

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Rooney's absence remains a concern though with the forward unlikely to pick up much needed minutes against St Etienne.

Image: David de Gea was rested for the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Blackburn

"David de Gea was rested," said Mourinho. "Rooney is injured. Phil Jones is injured. I don't think they will recover (to play St Etienne).

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"Antonio Valencia was rested but Rooney and Jones haven't trained with the team yet so I don't think they will be there for Wednesday."

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