Alex Ferguson plays down Rooney’s ankle injury fears

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists striker Wayne Rooney has not suffered any long-term damage as the club crashed out of the Champions League in the quarterfinals.

Ferguson had earlier said that he would not risk Rooney’s ankle injury, which was expected to keep him out for two to three weeks, but the striker was included in the starting line-up.

“He got a knock which was similar to last week. It is a burst blood vessel below the ankle. He won't be out for too long,” The Independent quoted Ferguson, as saying.

He is further confident that his 34-goal striker could return for April 17’s highly-anticipated derby with Manchester City at Eastlands.

“He had a training session on Tuesday and did everything we could have asked of him. The medical people thought there was no danger, other than he might feel it in the second-half, so we felt it was worth the risk.”

“Unfortunately he went over on the ankle again. There were a couple of challenges on him and I don't think he got any protection from the referee, but it is not too serious. I don't think he will be ready for Sunday, but he should be available for next week,” he added.