Manchester United today confirmed that Wayne Rooney has suffered ankle ligament damage after scans yesterday. Rooney, 24, suffered the injury during United’s 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday. Despite media speculation over the past 24 hours this is the first official confirmation of Rooney’s status.
“We’re pleased to report that Wayne has not suffered a fracture. The scan revealed only minor ligament damage,” said a short United statement today.
“For now, the club is not commenting on how many games Wayne is likely to miss.”
Although the club described Rooney as “doubtful” for United’s fixture against Chelsea on Saturday, it seems certain that the striker will miss United’s home fixtures against Chelsea and Bayern Munich at Old Trafford. United then play Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on 11 April.
Should Rooney, a notoriously quick healer, return early he could make United’s trip to Manchester City on 17 April. United then faces games against Tottenham Hotspur and a potential two-legged Champions League semi-final before the end of April.
Sir Alex Ferguson takes part in his normal Friday morning press conference at 9.30am in Carrington, with further news expected.