Bad break for Everton

Prompt examination
The 18-year-old limped off during England's UEFA EURO 2004™ quarter-final defeat against Portugal on Thursday evening, following a challenge by Jorge Andrade. The Everton medical team have since been in regular communication with their national-team counterparts, and Rooney was examined following the team's return from Portugal yesterday.

Out for eight weeks
The Liverpool club's head physio Mike Rathbone confirmed that Rooney is almost certain to miss Everton's opening league game against champions Arsenal FC on 14 August. "Wayne has a cracked fifth metatarsal and should be treated with rest," he said. "The recovery time will be around eight weeks and he'll be able to start his rehabilitation within three to four."