Rooney injury worries – can he last the World Cup intact?

Once again Wayne Rooney limps off at the tail end of a Manchester United game. Am I the only person beginning to wonder whether he can endure the rigours of a World Cup?

The PFA and Football Writers' Association award winner has scored 33 times this season, offering Utd fans a much needed scoring option following the loss of Ronaldo and Tevez last summer.

United even jumped to 86 league goals over the course of the campaign, a remarkable step up from the 68 accrued last season.

So he’s helped to up the goal tally and his manager doesn’t seem too concerned about Rooney’s latest injury.

“I think he's aggravated the groin again. I don't think it's serious – he'll be OK for England,” said United manager Alex Ferguson.

Well, we’ve been here before, but at least this time England aren’t alone in having injury worries.

Spain’s Fabregas, Torres and Xavi may struggle to play regularly in South Africa.

Holland’s Robin van Persie is only just coming back from injury.

The good news is Socceroo legend Harry Kewell will probably be fit after missing the last twelve years with hair band problems. That’s good news for everyone else but not Australia.

Xavi eyes World Cup contenders

Barcelona's Xavi has begun the job of highlighting the teams which might threaten Spain in South Africa next summer.

To nobody’s great surprise the 29-year-old has picked out Brazil, Italy and Germany. He also believes England and the Ivory Coast are potential dark horses.

“We have a superb generation of players, we have already qualified for South Africa and also have the experience of playing there,” Xavi told Reuters.

England, says Xavi, “appeared to have found a new swagger and a solid foundation for possible success”.

He also likes Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, and said a defence including captain John Terry and Rio Ferdinand would be hard to penetrate.

“England were the big absence from Euro 2008 and I expect they are itching to show they can win the World Cup.”