Injured Rooney out for four weeks

Rooney's injury is a devastating blow for Man Utd and England

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney is out for up to four weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in training.

The problem also means he misses England's potentially decisive Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on 21 November.

In-form Rooney, 22, has just been named Premier League player of the month for October after scoring seven goals in his last seven United games.

England coach Steve McClaren said: "It's hugely disappointing."

He added: "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."

McClaren had just named Rooney in his squad for the friendly against Austria on Friday and the qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on 21 November.

It is the second major injury problem Rooney has suffered this season after missing five matches with a broken foot, sustained on the opening day of the campaign against Reading.

He will miss league games against Blackburn, Bolton and Fulham, and possibly Derby on 8 December, as well as United's next Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon.

But if the initial prognosis of four weeks is correct, Rooney should be available again for the final Champions League group match against Roma on 12 December and a key Premier League match at Liverpool on 16 December.