Rooney developed the problem following last week’s first leg in Amsterdam and, although he reported for training today, he was quickly sent home in the hope he will recover in time for Sunday’s Barclays Premier League trip to Norwich.
As United are 2-0 up from the away leg and appear certain to book a last-16 encounter with either Lokomotiv Moscow or Athletic Bilbao, Rooney might not have played anyway given the number of players Ferguson feels must be involved after their recent lack of game time.
Young French midfielder Paul Pogba may also come into contention, although it seems more likely the 18-year-old, whose contractual position remains unresolved, will be on the bench.
“It is possible we could give Pogba a run-out,” said Ferguson.
“It depends because there are a lot of players who need a game; Nani, Young, Hernandez, Cleverley, Smalling, Jones.
“Those players will all play tomorrow and we hope to put a sprinkling of experience amongst it.”