Wayne Rooney could miss Manchester United’s trip to CSKA Moscow due to the birth of his first child. Rooney’s wife Coleen is due to give birth shortly after United’s 22 October return to the Luzhniki Stadium, the venue for the club’s 2008 Champions League victory over Chelsea.
United, due to fly 48 hours before the match, face a 3,200 mile round-trip to play Juande Ramos’ side and should Coleen give birth around the time of the game, Rooney is likely to stay behind in Manchester.
“Coleen is due just after the Moscow game. It’s a long way [to Moscow], but I have a job to go and play for United and, unless anything changes, I will be there,” said the 23-year-old Rooney.
“But of course, I want to be there for the birth of my child and, if anything happens around that time, then I am sure I will stay back.”
Rooney has been in outstanding form this season, with six goals in all competitions. Him omission would be a considerable blow to manager Sir Alex Ferguson, with question marks hanging over the fitness of Michael Owen. The former-England forward is set to miss the next three weeks with a groin strain.