Rooney misses Bolton match, Van der Sar back in starting XI

Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United`s game against Bolton Wanderers due to a calf strain while Edwin van der Sar returns to the starting line up.

Man United boss Alex Ferguson confirmed on Friday that England striker Rooney will miss Saturday`s match against Bolton and admitted he also had doubts over his availability for the Reds’ Champions League fixture against CSKA Moscow, next Tuesday.

`Rooney’s out – that’s the one certainty,` Fergie said. `We’re doing our best to get him fit for Wednesday but I’ve got my doubts.

`Wayne has a calf injury and they can be troublesome. I certainly hope he’ll be fit for Liverpool (next Sunday). Because it’s a calf strain we know how difficult these things can be. We won’t be taking any chances in Moscow.`

Ferguson also received good news from his medical staff: Edwin van der Sar has recovered from his hand injury and is able to play against Bolton tomorrow.

The Dutch goalkeeper made his comeback on October 6th with the reserves in a match against Everton.

`Edwin’s fit and he plays tomorrow. He had a Reserves game about 10 days ago and came through that fine.

`He`s trained for quite a while now but because it was a hand injury, you don`t take any chances.`

The game he had in the Reserves was that confidence booster he needed. Now he’s fit, he’s fine and he’ll play against Bolton.`

Besides the absence of Rooney there may be two other players who`ll miss the North-West derby: Dimitar Berbatov is yet to return from Bulgaria, where his girlfriend gave birth this week while midfielder Darren Fletcher picked up an injury on international duty with Scotland.

`I think everyone else is okay,` Sir Alex said. `There are one or two bumps and bruises but nothing serious. And after the disappointment of Sunderland, this is an important game for us.`