Abby Brammell

By Sportsmail Reporter

Walking wounded: Wayne Rooney leaves the Allianz Arena on crutches


Wayne Rooney could be back in action in two to four weeks after initial indications suggested he suffered a sprained ankle rather than a break during Manchester United's defeat by Bayern Munich.

The England striker will not know the full extent of damage until undergoing scans on his return to Manchester, but the 24-year-old left Germany with positive reports that his injury might not be as bad as first feared.


Waiting game: Rooney is driven away from the ground last night


Moment of impact: Mario Gomez treads on the foot of Wayne Rooney


Rooney stayed in Munich overnight with the rest of the United side that lost 2-1 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday and arrived at Munich airport on Wednesday afternoon wearing a protective boot, limping across the tarmac with the aid of crutches.

If reports by Sky Sports News prove to be correct, the Barclays Premier League champions will be without their top scorer for crucial matches at the business end of the season, but at least Rooney should be in shape to make the World Cup finals.

England boss Fabio Capello voiced his concerns after seeing his talisman land awkwardly in a challenge with Mario Gomez at the end of the match in Germany.

Capello intends to speak to the former Everton striker later on Wednesday or on Thursday morning, once a clearer picture has emerged.


Worrying sight: Injured Wayne Rooney is helped off the pitch


United are due to touch down in Manchester at around 3.30pm and he is likely to be whisked straight to hospital for a scan.

If the results show ankle-ligament damage, Rooney could face longer on the sidelines and leave Capello's plans for South Africa 2010 in tatters.

Sir Alex Ferguson is also facing the dilemma of how to face Chelsea in Saturday's pivotal Barclays Premier League title clash.

A statement on the United website read: 'Rooney did not travel back on the team bus from the Allianz Arena, instead departing separately with security staff. His right foot was encased in a protective boot.'

To add to Rooney's woe, he was selected by UEFA for a random drug test after the match, meaning United's medical team were unable to attend to his injury as quickly as they would like.


source: dailymail