Soccer · Champions League

Champions League: Manchester United v CSKA Moscow

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 24, was absent from training on Monday morning after it was confirmed that his wife had given birth to the couple's first child.

He will now almost certainly be excused from playing from playing against CSKA Moscow this evening.

United are already without Rio Ferdinand (calf), Nemanja Vidic (calf), Ryan Giggs (hip) and Park Ji-sung (knee) because of injury.

Striker Dimitar Berbatov is also doubtful after receiving a kick on his knee in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League win over Blackburn Rovers.

England defender Ferdinand, fighting to be fit for United's top of the table clash at Chelsea on Sunday, has received media criticism for a recent dip in form.

'No player likes to be criticised,' added Ferguson. 'We all like to be loved and want an arm around our shoulders at times. But Rio will come out of it, I'm quite sure of that.

United, last season's beaten finalists, will confirm their place in the knockout stages if they defeat the Russians at Old Trafford.

Man United v CSKA - Paddy Power

11/10 Man Utd HT/ Man Utd FT

15/2 Man Utd win 3-0

9/2 Owen 1st goal

Click here to bet and get a FREE €10 Bet

 
RTÉ.ie Sport: Wayne Rooney may not play on Tuesday
Wayne Rooney may not play on Tuesday
Related Stories
Sport Headlines

Republic Squad Analysis

Dean Kiely, Stephen Kenny and Tony O'Donoghue discuss Giovanni Trapattoni's squad for the Czech Republic friendly Play

Poland - What To Expect

Pat Kenny is joined by a host of experts to see what Irish fans can expect in Poland during Euro 2012 Play

RTÉ Soccer On Facebook & Twitter

Stay up to the minute with all the developments in the world of soccer with RTÉ Soccer on Facebook and Twitter Read

The Irish Pro

Pat Devlin, Owen Heary and Stephen McGuinness join Damien O'Meara to discuss the life of a professional footballer in Ireland Play

Blasts From The Past - Euro 2012 Rivals

The Republic of Ireland have played out a number of memorable past encounters against their Euro 2012 Group C rivals Read

Euro 2012: Travel Tips

Eoghan Corry offers travel and accommodation advice for those planning to make the journey to Euro 2012 Play

 
Inpho.ie