Manchester United will again be without Wayne Rooney and
Robin van Persie when they go to Chelsea on Sunday.
Rooney is back in England following warm-weather
training, but his groin injury has not healed in time for the weekend.
And van Persie, who has played just twice since November
10, will not return to training until next week - by which time United could be
14 points off top spot in the Premier League.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of Sunday's trip
to London, Moyes said: "Wayne's come back fresh but not ready for Chelsea.
"He's doing some running and looking good. He's had
a break, done some strengthening work on his groin. Hopefully he'll benefit,
but not for this game."
Asked whether Rooney would be back for the second leg of
United's Capital One Cup semi-final against Sunderland on Wednesday, Moyes was
non-committal.
He said: "Possibly. I don't want to say he'll be fit
for whatever game and then find he isn't. We've just got to take it bit by bit,
but he looks well. Overall we're pleased and hope to get him back as quickly as
we can."
A thigh injury has been the concern for van Persie, who
made a point of publicly supporting his manager this week in the wake of three
January defeats.
Moyes said: "I'm hoping Robin's got a good chance of
training at the start of next week. If i could get him back on the grass it
would be a great boost for us - he's a really important player and one we've
missed.
"Both of them are getting closer to fitness, so
let's hope it's not too long until we get him back."
Moyes also hit out at rumours that suggested Van Persie
is not happy at Old Trafford.
"I keep saying it is untrue but for some reason
people don't want to write it or hear it," he said.
"But it is the fact. Most people know that I talk
pretty straight.
"If there was something wrong I would be the first
one to come out and say it.
"I have a really good relationship with Robin, as I
do with all the players.
"But when you are not winning, people look for
reasons, and probably think I am not getting on with Robin.
"It couldn't be further from the truth."
United go into the weekend nine points behind Sunday's
opponents Chelsea and 11 off leaders Arsenal.
Culled from Skysports
