-
#2606
Sven-Goran Eriksson spoke on Sunday night about Wayne Rooney's chances of making the World Cup.
England's inspirational forward is at the very forefront of Sven's mind at the moment, following his injury at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
"If he is going to be fit or not, I don't know and nobody will know at the moment," Eriksson told Sky Sports News.
"But if we, and when I am talking about we I mean (Sir Alex) Ferguson, myself, the medical staff of Manchester and the medical staff of the England national team. And if we think that at some stage he will take some part then I will pick him.
"It is too early to know if he is going to have a chance to be fit or not, but if we think he has a chance then I will pick him.
"It is a hope and it is a hope for all England fans. We are talking about Wayne Rooney, he is one of the best players in the world and he is extremely important for us, so if we think he has a chance to get fit during the World Cup then of course we will pick him."
Eriksson will remain in regular contract with his medical staff and will take a view on Rooney's fitness nearer the May 15 deadline. Ahead of that, Sven will name his provisional squad on May 8.
"I think we have to look at it closer to the World Cup," he added. "For anyone to say today it will take six weeks, it will take eight weeks, it is difficult for anyone to say that.
"I hope the World Cup is not over for Wayne Rooney. I hope so for him, for the team, for the fans because he is extremely important for us.
"But if the medical team tell me he has no chance then I will not pick him. If he can take part later in the World Cup then he will be picked."
Manchester United issued a statement regarding Rooney's injury on Saturday evening on their official website.
The brief statement read as follows: "Wayne Rooney has a fracture of the base of the fourth metatarsal on his right foot.
"He will be out for six weeks."
Rooney sustained the injury towards the end of United's 3-0 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.