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Tuesday Kickoff: Rooney returns to training; Roma lose Destro and Benatia; and more

WayneRooneyManUnited1-AstonVilla2014 (Getty)

By DAN KARELL

Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League hopes have been given a massive boost on the eve of their biggest match this season.

Wayne Rooney was back on the training pitch on Tuesday and has been included in the squad that will face Bayern Munich in the second-leg match on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena. Following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, Man United know that they’re only one goal and 90 minutes away from advancing to the semifinals.

Even though Rooney missed Man United’s league match last Saturday against Newcastle due to a toe injury, Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola is convinced that the England international will be on the Allianz Arena pitch.

“He will play, I am 100% sure and I am willing to bet a large glass of beer on it,” Guardiola said. “This is one of the best players I’ve seen and the big players do not want to miss this type of game.”

David Moyes hasn’t confirmed whether he will start Rooney or have him available as a substitute.

Here are some more stories to start your Tuesday:

ROMA LOSE DESTRO, BENATIA FOR ONE MONTH

Two of AS Roma’s key players this season will be missing for the next four weeks.

The club revealed on Tuesday that centerback Mehdi Benatia has suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out for at least one month. In addition, on-form forward Mattia Destro has been hit with a three-match ban after video replay showed him punching Cagliari’s Davide Astori during Roma’s 3-1 victory last Sunday. In addition, Destro picked up a yellow card in the match which added another game’s suspension due to yellow card accumulation.

Destro, who scored all three goals in the win, has scored seven goals in his last six games as Roma look to lock up second place in Serie A. Benatia, a new signing from last summer, has played a key role in Roma’s rise to success this season.

Roma have only six games remaining in the season.

RONALDO WON’T BE RISKED

For the second time in four days, Cristiano Ronaldo may have to watch a Real Madrid match from the sidelines.

With the Portuguese goalscorer suffering from a lingering knee injury, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has told reporters ahead of Madrid’s Champions League match with Borussia Dortmund that if Ronaldo isn’t fully fit, Ancelotti won’t play him.

“He’s had treatment, (on Monday) he had a low intensity work out,” Ancelotti said. “Let’s see how (Tuesday’s) session goes. The player is ok, he’s comfortable, with no pain. We’ll take the decision today. If he’s 100% he’ll play and if not he won’t.”

Ronaldo sat out of Saturday’s 4-0 Real Madrid victory at Real Sociedad.

QUICK KICKS

Construction has resumed on one of the temporary stands at Sao Paulo’s stadium after work had stopped due another worker’s death. (REPORT)

Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal says that he’s “sick of being (the) national coach.” (REPORT)

Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez has been ruled out for the rest of the season and the World Cup after suffering a torn ACL. (REPORT)

Borussia Dortmund are linked 18-year-old Marseille forward Antoine Kisaku. (REPORT)

Former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu has parted ways with Dynamo Moscow. (REPORT)

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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Rooney starting vs. Bayern? Do you think his inclusion in the lineup can take Man United to the next stage? Do you think Roma can hold on to second place without Destro and Benatia for the next four games?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Tough injuries for Roma, Benatia has been arguably the top CB in the world this year and Destro has been in fine form as well.

    Reply

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