Rooney picked up a calf injury during England's World Cup qualifying defeat in the Ukraine last weekend.
And despite returning straight to United's Carrington training ground for treatment, the striker will not be fit to face the Trotters, when Edwin Van Der Saar will be in goal.
Ferguson does retain an outside hope that Rooney will be available for Wednesday's Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow, although a return for the key clash with Liverpool at Anfield on October 25 is more likely.
"Calf injuries can be troublesome," said Ferguson. "We are trying our best to get him fit for Wednesday but I have my doubts on that. But Wayne should be fit for the Liverpool game.
"We know how difficult these things can be so we will not be taking any chances with the Moscow trip."
For Van Der Sar it is a welcome first appearance of the season after he broke two fingers during a friendly with Bayern Munich in July.
Ben Foster has had his difficulties in goal since and Ferguson has no hesitation in bringing the veteran Dutchman back.
"Edwin plays tomorrow," said Ferguson.
"He had a reserve game 10 days ago and has come through that fine. He has been training for quite a spell now but with a hand injury you don't take any chances and that game has given him a good confidence boost."
Ferguson also confirmed Michael Owen is available after a recent groin problem, although the Scot is still waiting for the return of Dimitar Berbatov, whose partner has had a baby in their native Bulgaria, to declare whether he is in the right frame of mind to play before deciding on his final line-up.
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