Manchester United hope Wayne Rooney will return against Chelsea

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has been sent for a spot of warm-weather training by Manchester United in a bid to help him be fit to play against Chelsea on 19 January.

The England striker, 28, has been absent with a groin injury since New Year's Day's 2-1 defeat by Tottenham.

United manager David Moyes said: "We've sent Wayne away on a hot weather break. His groin hasn't quite recovered yet.

"We have sent a fitness coach with him. He's away with his family. Hopefully we'll get him for for Chelsea."

Rooney's fellow striker Robin van Persie is still out with the thigh injury that has kept him out since the 1-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk on 10 December.

Van Persie and Rooney have only been able to start seven of Manchester United's 20 Premier League matches together this season.

Rooney has scored nine goals in 16 league starts.