Rooney out for four weeks with ligament damage

Rooney had a scan yesterday afternoon, immediately after returning to the UK.

There is no break, which means Rooney's presence at this summer's World Cup should not be threatened.

Confirmation of ligament damage does however indicate the United striker will be out of action for an extended period, starting with Saturday's Premier League clash with Chelsea, although the Old Trafford outfit have not said how long Rooney is expected to take to recover.

"We are pleased to report that Wayne has not suffered a fracture," a United spokesperson told www.manutd.com.

"The scan revealed only minor ligament damage."

Sir Alex Ferguson will presumably offer a more extensive medical bulletin tomorrow ahead of the Chelsea encounter, although a recovery period of between two and four weeks has been mooted.

If the former proves correct, Rooney could be back in action for the Champions League semi-final, providing United overhaul Bayern's first-leg advantage.

A four-week spell on the sidelines would have him back in action in time to face Sunderland on May 1.