Soccer: Rooney aggravates groin injury

MANCHESTER - England striker Wayne Rooney aggravated a groin injury while playing for Manchester United today, a month before the World Cup begins.

The 24-year-old Rooney limped off in the 77th minute of United's season-ending 4-0 victory over Stoke.

Hampered by groin and ankle problems for more than a month, Rooney had initially been ruled out of the final two matches of the club season but returned to help United's failed bid for a fourth straight Premier League title.

"He has aggravated his groin again," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "I don't think it is serious - he should be OK for England."

England coach Fabio Capello announces his provisional 30-man World Cup squad Wednesday (NZT).

England has two friendlies before the final squad is announced at the start of June - against Mexico on May 24 and Japan on May 30.

The team's first match of the tournament is against United States on June 12.

- AP