adminWayne Rooney has been passed fit for Manchester United’s clash with Everton today.
The United captain missed England’s Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania due to an ankle injury he picked up in the 3-0 loss to Arsenal before the international break and was doubtful for the match at Goodison Park.
Nevertheless, United have now confirmed the 29-year-old has recovered in time to face his former club.
Michael Carrick has also been given the green light again after he missed both of England’s games due to a groin injury.
Marcos Rojo (hamstring) and Ander Herrera (knock) have done some rehab and are also fit, although they are unlikely to feature for the full 90 minutes.
Ashley Young will be forced to watch this weekend’s encounter from the stands as he is suffering with a tight calf.
United will be gunning for revenge today following their 3-0 loss at Goodison Park last season.
Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger wants Arsenal to shake off the effects of the international break as quickly as possible as they prepare to face Watford in the Premier League today.
An impressive 3-0 win over Manchester United moved the Gunners to within just two points of league leaders Manchester City before the latest round of friendlies and qualifying games for Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.
Wenger claimed this week that Arsenal will sustain a title challenge this season should they keep up the same “fight” they displayed against Louis van Gaal’s side, and the 65-year-old feels his side must recapture the “urgency” of that performance against Watford.
“We separated on a positive vibe,” he said. “After that, the task is to reconnect quickly because everybody goes to their national teams and has different worries.
“We play against Watford, who have conceded only one goal at home and defend very well. They’re a very difficult team to play against so we have to focus to get a positive result on Saturday (today).
“The level of champions and people who want to fight at the top is urgency. Urgency is something that keeps you alert and we know what will be expected of us.”
Arsenal take on a Watford side with just one win in their last five matches in all competitions, but defender Allan Nyom sees no reason not to push for maximum points.
Wenger has some concerns over the fitness of Alexis Sanchez, with the Chile star — who has scored five goals in his last two league games — having played both recent World Cup qualifiers for his country.
There is better news concerning Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta, however, with both midfielders expected to be available, while Laurent Koscielny will have a late fitness test.
Watford, meanwhile, are set to welcome back Ikechi Anya and Valon Behrami, who both picked up injuries on international duty. Nyom is also expected to be fit, but Lloyd Doyley (neck), Jose Manuel Jurado (hamstring) and Joel Ekstrand (knee) are sidelined.
Arsenal boast a strong record against Watford, having won all five of their previous meetings, including the last four in the Premier League. — goal.com
Online Reporter