Ferguson expects Rooney back in three weeks

Wayne Rooney will be back in action within two to three weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage, according to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday.

Rooney sustained the injury late in Manchester United's Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat at Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, sparking fears the England forward could miss the rest of the season and the World Cup.

But scans on Thursday showed the problem is not as bad as first thought and Ferguson said: "The nation can breathe again. We're relieved. It could have been worse.

"There is no bone damage or serious ligament damage. The nation can stop praying."

Ferguson was naturally delighted that Rooney will be back before the end of the season and his talismanic star could return in the derby at Manchester City on April if he recovers quickly.

If Rooney, who has scored 34 goals for the league leaders this season, is sidelined for three weeks he could be fit for the Champions League semi-final first leg on April 20 or 21, assuming United get past Bayern, or the visit of Tottenham to Old Trafford on April 24.

However, the 24-year-old will definitely miss this afternoon's crucial Premier League clash against title rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford, the European second leg against Bayern on Wednesday and the trip to Blackburn on April 11.

England coach Fabio Capello can also take heart from the verdict on Rooney's injury as his key player will have time to get fully match fit before the start of the World Cup in South Africa on June 11.

Ferguson was aware of the worry among England fans over Rooney's fitness but he is determined to keep his focus on the Chelsea clash from now on.

"It was panic," he said.

"We are relieved. When we saw him hobble off, you are hoping when you send him for a scan, you get some good news. And it could have been worse given the way he hobbled off.

"But it's out of the way, we can put it to one side and get on with our job on the pitch."