There was an awful inevitability in watching Wayne Rooney leave the Allianz Arena on crutches last night, but the sensationalists suggesting England's World Cup hopes went with him should not be entertained this morning.
Rooney's remarkable run of form, oiled by a remarkable run of fitness, would have defied the odds had it gone uninterrupted into the knock-out stages this summer. Nothing lasts forever, especially in football.
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And so it was. The nation's best player, and arguably the form player in world football, landed awkwardly on his right ankle. He was clearly in pain, but those who have played the game will have established almost immediately this was not an injury to jeopardise his chances of playing in South Africa.
The dreaded metatarsal (three and counting for Rooney so far), or a Beckham-esque Achilles tendon tear this was not. Rooney will have an MRI later today, with the most likely diagnosis damage to ankle ligaments.
For Manchester United, the news could be bleak. It seems highly unlikely Rooney will feature against Chelsea on Saturday, and it would be a something of a coup if he returns in time to face Bayern at Old Trafford next week.
Anywhere between one and six weeks out is the estimate, which could have a huge bearing on United's aspirations, both domestically and in Europe.
But for England, Rooney's enforced sabbatical could prove a blessing. Fabio Capello's full-blooded bulldog removed from the firing line, in what is the most physically and mentally demanding leg of the domestic campaign.
With United engaged on two major fronts, Sir Alex Ferguson would have rested his most influential player only when absolutely necessary. Rooney's famous commitment does not react well to protectionism, everybody knows that.
So for England fans, there could yet be reason for cheer. Rooney's injury could ultimately deliver us a world-class striker, rested and hungrier than ever to score a bucketload of goals and lead his country to World Cup glory.
- Will Tidey
Source: DSG
