Blow for Eriksson as Rooney's knee injury confirmed

England's battle of wounded knee moved into extra time yesterday, with neither Sven Goran Eriksson nor David Moyes able to claim victory in the dispute about Wayne Rooney's summer plans.

Following an examination in London attended, most unusually, by both managers and an Everton medical representative, as well as England medical staff, the 17-year-old was sent back to Merseyside for treatment. With Eriksson still hoping Rooney will be fit for the 11 June European Championship qualifier against Slovakia at the Riverside, a further decision on his fitness will be taken ahead of Friday's "bonding" trip to La Manga.

Eriksson has accepted the loss of Danny Murphy with a neck injury though he, too, had to undergo an examination. While Murphy's withdrawal is less high-profile it is equally problematic for Eriksson, who has already lost Kieron Dyer to injury and, for the Slovakia game, David Beckham to suspension. With Nicky Butt also ruled out, Jermaine Jenas could make his first competitive start. Eriksson, who has promoted Joe Cole from the Under-21 squad, has yet to decide whether to call up more replacements.

While Liverpool were happy to let Murphy's condition speak for itself, Rooney's examination was conducted in the presence of the Everton physiotherapist Mick Rathbone as well as Moyes, the manager. Dr Leif Sward headed England's medical representation alongside Eriksson. The presence of the managers and Rathbone was a consequence of this injury becoming a cause célèbre in Eriksson's continual quest for players.

To date it seems he may have chosen the wrong fight as this decision at least partially vindicates the stance of Moyes, who said last week: "Wayne definitely won't travel to South Africa and he is a doubt for the later matches as well." However, the feeling within the Football Association is that the injury, while needing treatment, is not as serious as the club have suggested and he could well be fit enough to play next month, perhaps even in the warm-up friendly against Serbia & Montenegro on 3 June. By making Rooney attend a medical examination Eriksson has indicated to Moyes, and other managers, that he does not intend to be duped, as appears to have happened in the past.

The remaining 20 players reported to Sopwell House Hotel near St Albans last night. Today they will train at Arsenal's headquarters at London Colney before flying to Durban. A group including Beckham and Eriksson will meet Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The squad will leave South Africa immediately after Thursday's friendly. All but Beckham will then travel to La Manga along with Arsenal's Ashley Cole and Southampton's Wayne Bridge and James Beattie. They were excused from South Africa due to their involvement in the FA Cup final. Whether Rooney makes the Spanish leg remains to be seen but it will be a blow for Eriksson if he is not with the party by the time they convene in the North-East on 7 June.