All of England and many U.S. national-team fans are holding their breath this morning on news of the extent of Wayne Rooney’s ankle injury suffered during Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League loss against Bayern. The Daily Mirror speculates at least a month’s absence for Rooney.
The injury alert is also on for Cesc Fà bregas, who is said to be a game-time decision for Arsenal when they host FC Barcelona (2:30 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel & Fox Sports en Español). Wednesday's other Champions League quarterfinal first leg sees Inter Milan facing CSKA Moscow.
It was some show in Toronto on Tuesday for the announcement that MLS Cup 2010 is headed there in November. You know a country loves its soccer when an MLS executive’s encounter with a customs agent causes a stir.
Commissioner Don Garber was hailed north of the border on Tuesday. According to one reporter, MLS is beating out all the other major sports when it comes to embracing Canadian expansion. Garber also went on talk about MLS and the MLS Cup and the MLS Cup, to be held in Toronto in November.
Also from Toronto, more details emerge about the summer’s proposed Manchester United tour.
In other event news, the MLS All-Star logo has been leaked. Now all that’s left is to confirm an opponent.
The rich get richer in Seattle. Pat Noonan and Jeff Parke have contracts in the works.
The only negative from Sounders camp is that Freddie Ljungberg has a back problem. Union coach Peter Nowak had accused him of falling over too easily last Thursday during First Kick. On Tuesday, Ljungberg had some more strong words for Nowak.
The move Philly made Tuesday of cutting David Myrie opens the door for a new right back. Danny Szetela, is trialing with the Union which could allow Michael Orozco to move to the back line. Or the team signs another trialist, Cristian Arrieta.
There is also plenty of World Cup news Wednesday morning. FIFA has changed the procedure as to how World Cup rosters are reported. A 30-man roster is due May 11. Also, the FIFA world rankings are out.
One Associated Press reporter picks the U.S. as a 2010 World Cup quarterfinalist.
U.S. national-team central defender Oguchi Onyewu was in a suite at the Home Depot Center last weekend to watch the Galaxy host the Revolution during a spin through LA to have his knee checked out before returning to AC Milan. News of Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos flying to meet AC Milan players will not go down well with Onyewu, especially after the club reportedly signed central defender Mario Yepes.
Americans were in action overseas on Tuesday. Former Crew forward Stern John scored for Crystal Palace as they defeated Jay DeMerit’s Watford 3-1 at Vicarage Road. Rangers were also thrashed 4-1 at St. Johnstone. Maurice Edu was a second-half sub for Rangers while DaMarcus Beasley wasn’t even on the bench. Kenny Cooper only came on for the last two minutes of Plymouth Argyle’s 0-0 tie vs. Barnsley on Tuesday.
Also in England, new Hull City boss Iain Dowie has high hopes for Jozy Altidore. The forward also talks about the adjustment he's had to make in England.
In other international news, Argentine head coach Diego Maradona won’t be able to speak for a while. Meantime, Inter Milan’s José Mourinho spoke Tuesday for the first time in a while, saying he doesn't like the Serie A.
In CONCACAF Champions league semifinal action, Toluca came from behind to tie Pachuca 1-1 at home. Pumas host Cruz Azul on Wednesday night (10 p.m. ET, Galavisión) in the other semi.
Two more Mexican teams are in Copa Libertadores action in must-win games Wednesday night. Monterrey host Brazilians São Paulo (9 p.m. ET, Fox Sports en Español) and Morelia welcome Banfield of Argentina (11 p.m. ET, Fox Sports en Español).
Lastly from Mexico, national team manager Javier Aguirre announced a 17-man roster that will enter World Cup training camp on April 12 and play the U.S. tour matches in May.
RUMORS: In Italy they say Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc has met with Juventus and the Turin club's other option is Rafa BenÃtez … AS reports Real Madrid are prepared to pay up to have David Silva … The same publication says Arsenal are after Ander Herrera of Real Zaragoza while AC Milan are chasing Pedro León of Getafe.
