Rooney Has Groin Injury

David Moyes has revealed that Wayne Rooney missed the Capital One Cup tie at Stoke City due to a groin injury.

The talismanic striker was not included in the matchday squad for the Britannia Stadium encounter, with Danny Welbeck leading the line. Rooney was withdrawn at Aston Villa last weekend although there has been no confirmation yet as to the extent of the problem.

With fellow hitman Robin van Persie also sidelined, with a thigh injury, the manager has admitted he is hoping Rooney will be available to feature over the Christmas period, with West Ham up next in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday at Old Trafford.

Indeed, Moyes believes Rooney could feature in the meeting with Sam Allardyce's fellow Cup semi-finalists.

"He has got a chance," replied the boss when asked about the likelihood of his centre-forward being involved at the weekend.