Jose Mourinho will hand Wayne Rooney a place in his 18-man squad for the EFL Cup final against Southampton this weekend if the Manchester United captain can prove his fitness, according to ESPN.

The 31-year-old forward has missed United’s last five games with muscular problems and root canal treatment.

Rooney trained with his teammates on Tuesday prior to the Europa League last-32 tie against St Etienne, but he was not included in the travelling squad.

Despite the attacker starting just 17 games in all competitions this season, Mourinho wants to offer him a chance to perform at Wembley, reports ESPN.

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If included in the matchday squad, it is unlikely that Rooney will be handed a starting spot given that he has not graced a football pitch since February 1.

The England captain’s long-term future at United remains in doubt, with reports that he could depart Old Trafford at the end of the season.

If he does go, he will call an end to a 13-year spell, in which he has won five Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup and Champions League.

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