Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie unlikely to return before Stoke City match?

Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie will not be fit to play until the match against Stoke City at the start of February, according to a report.

Both missed the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, a result which left the Red Devils 14 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

David Moyes had reportedly been hoping that they could be ready to play some part in the League Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland on Wednesday, but The Times claims that that will not happen.

They are also likely to be unable to participate in the league match against Cardiff City next Tuesday, although Rooney has a small chance of being fit.

Man Utd face Sunderland looking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg defeat.