Bulgaria Berbatov Replaces Rooney after "Minor" Damage

Wayne Rooney (C) of Manchester United receives medical attention after he was injured during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match Bayern Munich vs Manchester United at Allianz-Arena in Munich, Germany, 30 March 2010. Photo by EPA/BGNES

England striker Wayne Rooney should be fit in time for the World Cup after Manchester United revealed he had suffered only "minor" ligament damage.

A club statement said: "We're pleased to report that Wayne has not suffered a fracture (to his ankle). The scan revealed only minor ligament damage," as cited by BBC.

It is not yet known how many games the striker will miss for United.

His manager Sir Alex Ferguson will give a detailed update on Rooney's condition and prognosis on Friday at 0930 BST.

The in-form striker, regarded as key to England's World Cup chances, injured his ankle in United's Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich on Tuesday. He is expected to miss Saturday's vital Premier League clash against Chelsea.

Until his return, the lone striker role at Old Trafford is likely to revert to the Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov, who has netted 12 times for the Red Devils this seasons.

Defender Nemanja Vidic said: "Dimitar had a great game against Bolton on Saturday. He is a great footballer.

"He scored twice himself and can set up goals for other players as well. We have a good squad. We just need to believe in ourselves and believe in each other."

Waiting in the wings and primed to make a few appearances from the subs bench is Federico Macheda, 18.

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