Thaindian News

London, Mar.31 (ANI): England was facing their biggest World Cup nightmare on Tuesday after Wayne Rooney suffered a major injury scare.

The nation’s most important striker limped off in agony as Manchester United were stunned by Bayern Munich in a Champions League cliffhanger.

According to The Sun, Rooney hobbled away from the Allianz Arena on crutches with his ankle in a protective plastic cast.

Rooney crumpled to the ground in pain during injury time after a challenge by Bayern striker Mario Gomez.

He needed to be helped from the pitch and, if there is damage to his ligaments, he could be out for up to six weeks - meaning he will miss the end to the season.

He will have an MRI scan today.

The Red Devils will almost certainly be without Rooney for Saturday’s Premier League title showdown with Chelsea.

There also appears little chance Rooney will be fit for the return match against Bayern next Wednesday, with United already trailing 2-1 after Ivica Olic’s dramatic late winner.

Coach Alex Ferguson said: “Wayne has hurt his ankle. It’s too early to say the condition of it but we will know tomorrow.”

England coach Fabio Capello and the entire country will now be left praying the injury will not keep Rooney out of the World Cup with two months still to go before the tournament starts.

It is the 12th significant foot or ankle injury the striker has suffered in his career - and there are already growing concerns over a knee problem he is carrying. (ANI)