Ankle Injury Rules Rooney Out for Four Weeks

Wayne Rooney has been ruled out for four weeks after suffering an ankle injury in training today.

The Manchester United striker left Carrington on crutches and will miss Sunday's Premier League clash with Blackburn and most likely their remaining two group matches in the Champions League. However, far more importantly, Rooney will also be unavailable for England's friendly with Austria next week and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on November 21.

The injury also comes at a time when Rooney has been right on top of his game: he has scored nine goals in his last nine games for Manchester United and England.

England coach Steve McClaren had only just named Rooney in his squad and greeted the news with understandable disappointment.

"It is hugely disappointing for us and him," he said. "Given the form he has been in and the contribution he has made to England over the last two games means it is a blow. But we have to deal with it, like we have dealt with situations like these before. It is an opportunity for someone else to come and do a job."