Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that striker Wayne Rooney will definitely be unavailable for this Sunday's Premier League battle against Liverpool.

The England international was expected to be sidelined for the encounter after it emerged that the frontman would need an additional two weeks to recover from a knee injury he sustained on Christmas Day.

There were reports that Rooney could make a late return to the side for this weekend's fierce clash but Ferguson has insisted that it is too soon for the 27-year-old.

"Wayne Rooney is still out," Ferguson said in a press conference. "I am hoping he will start training today actually, in which case he won't be far away.

"I don't think it is an issue, but we need to guide him along. In terms of the injury he had, it's quite straightforward so if he starts today I assume he will be available for Wednesday's replay [against West Ham United]."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has revealed that Nani, Phil Jones and Anderson are available for selection against Liverpool at Old Trafford.