Report: Rooney expected to be fit for Arsenal encounter

Wayne Rooney is expected to be fit when Manchester United takes on Arsenal on Saturday.

Rooney was forced to miss England's friendly Tuesday against Spain because of a knee problem, but sources tell Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports that the United captain will be available to play in the Premier League contest.

A minor injury was discovered in his knee after Rooney withdrew from the team's training session Sunday due to discomfort and was subsequently released from the national team.

It was reported by The Sun that Rooney had been out drinking on Saturday at a wedding but a spokesperson for the 31-year-old dismissed suggestions that he broke FA protocol.

A statement, obtained by Sky Sports, read:

Wayne, along with the rest of the England squad, was on a night off duty. Rather than going out, he chose to stay at the team hotel to relax and celebrate a fine England victory against Scotland.

During the course of the evening he was approached by numerous fellow guests for autographs and pictures. As he has always been, Wayne was happy to sign, pose for photos, and chat with guests. It is sad that one or two of them have now sought to turn Wayne's friendly good nature to their advantage.

Rooney - who has struggled for regular playing time under Jose Mourinho - will look to make his third straight start when United takes on rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford.

United sits in sixth place with 18 points through 11 matches.