Rooney doubtful for World Cup after breaking foot (Roundup)

By Ben James Apr 30, 2006, 0:44 GMT

London - England striker Wayne Rooney faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his right foot during Manchester United's game against Chelsea on Saturday.

The injury could put Rooney out for six weeks. With England's first match against Paraguay set for June 10 - just six weeks away - the striker is in doubt for the championship.

The news is a massive blow to England's World Cup hopes and has eerie echoes of 2002, when captain David Beckham broke a bone in his foot.

Beckham returned in time to play in Japan but was not at 100 per cent. Now, England coach Sven Goran Eriksson must decide whether to risk the man considered England's biggest threat.

Eriksson is due to name his provisional squad on May 8, with May 15 the deadline for the 23-man squad to be named.

'Wayne Rooney has a fracture of the base of the fourth metatarsal on his right foot,' a statement on the Manchester United website said. 'He will be out for six weeks.'

The news was compounded by the fact that Michael Owen, who made his comeback after almost five months out on Saturday, said his foot was not 100 percent. Owen also broke a bone in his foot.

Arsenal defenders Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole have also had long spells on the sidelines.