Rooney to return for Arsenal game

It’ll be just over fifteen years to the day that Wayne Rooney announced his arrival to the Premier League with a wonder goal for Everton against Arsenal.

Beleaguered manager Ronald Koeman will be hoping for a similar stroke of genius as his job at the Toffees is on the line following an utterly horrendous start to the season, which culminated in the Blues all but dumped out of the Europa League last night following a home loss against Olympique Lyonnais.

Speaking to the media this afternoon in his pre-match press conference, the Dutchman confirmed that veterans Wayne Rooney, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines would all return over the weekend against the Gunners after being rested yesterday.

“Yes, all will be involved on Sunday.”

On Rooney, Koeman added that the veteran still had a lot to give to the game.

“Big impact. It’s a big impact in the games. It’s also a big impact that Wayne has in the team, on the training pitch and his impact on the young players. He is a great example for young players.

“He’s working hard to get it right for himself and also for the team. I admire the way he is a professional on the pitch and in training.”

He went on to add that of the long-term injuries there would be no returns upcoming for Seamus Coleman, Yannick Bolasie, Ross Barkley or Ramiro Funes Mori.

“Yeah it takes time. They are still not close to full training or group sessions.”

James McCarthy however is fit and available for selection.

“That is possible. That decision is what I need to take tomorrow, but he is fit to be in the team.”

Midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin left the game injured yesterday, but should be fine for Sunday.

“He had a knock yesterday I think he will be ready for the weekend. He did not train this morning, but we expect him to train tomorrow and be ready for the weekend.”

On Jonjoe Kenny and Aaron Lennon -

“Jonjoe was one week out with some hamstring issues He trained for the first time last Wednesday but for the weekend it’s a different situation.

“Aaron was also not fit for the last two weeks, so of course, they need more training.”