Rooney set to miss clash with Cardiff after being forced to self-isolate

DERBY County will be without captain Wayne Rooney for their clash with Cardiff City later in the month, due to concerns over coronavirus.

Rooney was forced to take an emergency Covid-19 test after he was reportedly visited by close friend Josh Bardsley, who was later found to have contracted the virus.

Rooney, 34, has confirmed he has tested negative, but will nevertheless have to self-isolate, meaning he’ll miss the club’s next three games, including his side’s clash with the Bluebirds on October 28.

Taking to Twitter, the Manchester United legend said: “Just received the news that my Covid-19 test has shown I do not have the virus. Delighted for myself and family, but obviously angry and disappointed that I now have to self-isolate and miss vital games for Derby County.”

Rooney had received a luxury watch from Bardsley at his mansion on October 15, unaware the 21-year old should have been in isolation after being tested for the virus.

Bardsley eventually tested positive, but Rooney has insisted he had no idea his friend had breached NHS protocol, and even played for the Rams against Watford the following day on October 16.

After undergoing an emergency test on the Saturday night, a spokesperson told The Sun he would not have allowed the visit had he known Bardsley had been contacted by the Track and Trace system.

Two weeks from the date of the visit takes Rooney to October 29, the day after the Bluebirds’ trip to Derby.