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Injured Wayne Rooney set for Manchester derby comeback
WAYNE ROONEY could be set to make his comeback when Manchester United take on bitter rivals City in the Premier League later this month.
Rooney missed England's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine with a gashed head, after suffering a training ground clash with United team-mate Phil Jones.
And while United boss David Moyes stated the striker would be unavailable for three weeks having planned to play him during the defeat to Liverpool on September 1, he could return for the trip across town to face City.
A picture taken of Rooney posing with a fan whilst on holiday in the Algarve, Portugal, earlier this week showed signs that his head wound was healing well.
United's game on Saturday against Crystal Palace is likely to come too soon for the 27-year-old, while he may also be rested for next Tuesday's Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen in order to be fit to face City on Sep 22.
Rooney is the joint top-scorer in Manchester derby history, with 10 strikes for the Red Devils against their local foes.
Moyes is beginning to feel the strain at Old Trafford after a frustrating summer in the transfer market and a mixed start to the season, which has produced a goalless draw at home to Chelsea and a defeat at Anfield.
And Moyes is hopeful of having derby specialist Rooney available at the Etihad, with the main issue being the England international's wound recovering sufficiently enough to head a ball safely.
Rooney spoke out to slam suggestions he lacked commitment by pulling out of the England squad, and will be desperate to endear himself top United fans by facing City after a summer spent flirting with a switch to title rivals Chelsea.
"Some people seem to be questioning my commitment and the fact I had to pull out of the two games," said Rooney.
"I'm sure people will see the reason why I won't be able to play.
"There's nothing I would like more than to be helping the lads in the qualifiers."