Rooney, Van Persie, Out of Chelsea Trip, Anderson Set for Fiorentina.

Manchester united boss David Moyes says Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge come too early for England forward Wayne Rooney.

Rooney, though back from his warm-weather break, is still recovering from a groin injury. His absence means United will be without both the England striker and Robin van Persie for the game.

“He’s training, doing some running and looking good. I don’t want to put a date on his return,” says Moyes of Rooney.

Van Perise has not played for the champions since December 10, in their Champions League 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Danny Welbeck is Set to Lead United's Attack.
Danny Welbeck is Set to Lead United’s Attack.

United are seventh on the league standing, nine points behind third-placed Chelsea ahead of the trip to London.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had hoped the pair are fit for Sunday’s crucial league tie.

The Blues are third with 46 points, two points adrift of Arsenal.

However, Moyes has confirmed midfielder Anderson will be going on loan to Italian side Fiorentina.

Anderson had his medical in Florence on Friday ahead of the move. The Brazil midfielder, who has made 177 appearances for united since joining from Porto in 2007 (for a reported £20m), has started just three matches since Moyes took charge of the club.

His last appearance was in a 2-0 Capital One Cup win over at Stoke on 18 December.

“We’ve not been able to get him as many games as he’d have hoped,” he says.