Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney Won't Play in Friendly Matches Due to Injury

Manchester United stars Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have been pulled from their respective national team lineups for their upcoming international friendly matches because of injuries.

Rooney withdrew from England's squad because of an ankle injury suffered in Saturday's 3-2 win over Aston Villa, according to the UK's Manchester Evening News. He will miss Wednesday's friendly vs. Sweden. 

Meanwhile, according to TheRepublic.com (via the Associated Press), Van Persie has withdrawn from the Netherlands side because of a thigh injury and will miss Wednesday's home friendly vs. Germany. Like Rooney, Van Persie played in Manchester United's 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Saturday. He even recorded an assist on the match-winning goal in the 88th minute at Villa Park.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Rooney could possibly miss United's next Premier League showdown on Saturday against Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Rooney apparently suffered the ankle injury late in Saturday's match after attempting a block tackle. He will certainly be missed by England coach Roy Hodgson. Rooney has four goals in five appearances for the national team this year.

The loss of Van Persie up top is equally as devastating for the Dutch. The elite forward has six goals in 10 appearances for the Netherlands in 2012. Van Persie has 31 career goals as a member of the Dutch national team.

Schalke 04's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Bas Dost of Wolfsburg are potential replacements for RvP up front for the Netherlands, according to TheRepublic.com. 

The severity of Van Persie's thigh injury is not known, but there have been no reports that the 29-year-old is in danger of missing United's upcoming Premier League match with Norwich City.

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