Welbeck Almost A Certainty for England-Italy Clash
England’s Danny Welbeck hopes to prove his fitness in time so as to feature in England’s opening game against Italy on Saturday after scans on his right thigh confirmed he had not suffered serious damage.
The Manchester United striker pulled up during Tuesday’s training session at the team’s base, limped off the pitch to receive treatment, and had to sit out the team’s drills on Wednesday to undergo further treatment, alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
He is now encouraged by the results of the scans and aims to be back on the pitch and in contention when the players train at the Arena da Amazônia on the eve of the game against Italy.
England’s manager, Roy Hodgson, had named Welbeck as a starter against Cesare Prandelli’s italian team. The 23-year-old has scored five goals in his 12 competitive appearances under Hodgson but his absence could stir the coach towards starting with Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling.
“Danny will be fine,” said Rooney, who will earn his 93rd cap in Manaus. “He’ll be ready for Saturday. He’s not risked anything in training today so he’ll train on Friday and he’ll be available for Saturday, I’m sure.”
