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FA rejects Vidic’s red card appeal as Rooney returns from Africa

Manchester United’s striker Wayne Rooney has returned to full full training following a recuperation visit to Africa and is expected to be included in the squad to face Sunderland in the Capital One Cup semifinal on Wednesday.

Rooney had been struggling with a groin injury since the end of December and aggravated the problem after playing against Tottenham on New Year’s Day.

Manager David Moyes had sent Rooney to Egypt for some warm-weather recuperation work with a United fitness coach with a view to getting him fit for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.

Rooney had been easing his way back into training and was not ready for the trip to Stamford Bridge, where Samuel Eto’o’s hat trick helped deliver a 3-1 victory for Jose Mourinho’s side.

But the striker was involved in full contact training on Monday – including ball work and tackling – and although he is not thought to be ready for 90 minutes, he is expected to play some part against the Black Cats, who lead 2-1 from the first leg.

“Wayne is really keen to get back into the side and is going full throttle in training,” a Carrington source told Goal.

“The medical guys have given him the all clear to play, so it should hopefully just be a case of getting his fitness up to scratch.”

Rooney’s contract expires at the end of next season and the England international has repeatedly rejected United negotiations.

Meanwhile, United captain Nemanja Vidic has had an appeal against his sending-off at Chelsea rejected.

The defender’s three-match suspension begins immediately, starting with Wednesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland.

Vidic, 32, received a straight red card for serious foul play for a tackle on Eden Hazard late in United’s 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.