Ancelotti: Rooney absence can work to Chelsea’s advantage

CHELSEA coach Carlo Ancelotti admits Wayne Rooney’s absence could allow his side to seize the title initiative from Manchester United when the two clubs clash at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Rooney is certain to miss the biggest game of the Premier League season after suffering ankle ligament damage in their 2-1 away defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The United striker has scored 35 goals in all competitions, 26 of them in the Barclays Premier League, and his absence at Old Trafford has already given Chelsea a massive incentive.