03 April,2010 06:57 AM IST | | PA Sport
Gary Neville does not believe Manchester United will be able to use Wayne Rooney's absence as an excuse for failure against Chelsea today.
United go into the top-of-the-table clash without their 34-goal front-man, who has been ruled out for at least two weeks with the ankle injury he suffered against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Wayne Rooney. Pic/Getty Images
It is a grievous blow to the Old Trafford outfit but, while Neville recognises what an important member of the United squad Rooney has become, the veteran defender is confident the Red Devils have the resources to cope.
"We don't want injuries, particularly to our best players," said Neville.
"Wayne will be a miss for us because he has been in such great form.
"But in the past people have always stood up to the plate and contributed.
"We have had key players out for big matches before and still won them. We have gone into finals without two or three major players and come through it.
"Chelsea have players missing. They don't have Michael Essien or Ashley Cole.
"All teams get injuries and suspensions on the run-in. You have to cope with them."
Certainly United cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves heading into such a huge game.
Leading Chelsea by a point, with five fixtures remaining once Carlo Ancelotti's men have been faced, the contest is more must-not-lose rather than must-win.
Yet even claiming a draw against Carlo Ancelotti's men will not be easy given the way Chelsea have bounced back from their disappointing Champions League exit.
Since the draw at Blackburn immediately after the loss to Inter Milan, Chelsea have scored 12 goals in dismantling Portsmouth and Aston Villa.
"I don't think there is any doubt that it is a massive match," said Neville.
"We are aware they have hit a little bit of form. "Aston Villa had the best defence in the league until last weekend and they have had a week to prepare, although I am not sure that will have too much of an effect."
