Wayne Rooney will be fit for the World Cup after scans revealed the Manchester United striker suffered only "minor" ligament damage in Tuesday's Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich.
Medical experts have suggested a minor ligament tear would keep him out for a maximum of between three and four weeks.
A club statement said: "We're pleased to report that Wayne has not suffered a fracture [on his ankle]. The scan revealed only minor ligament damage."
Although it is good news for England coach Fabio Capello, the fact that Rooney could be sidelined for a up to a month represents a major blow to United's hopes of securing a Champions League and Premier League double.
Rooney has hit 34 goals in all competitions this season and United host Chelsea on Saturday in a potentially-decisive game in the title race before Wednesday's return leg against Bayern at Old Trafford. If he is sidelined for four weeks, he will not return until Sir Alex Ferguson's team travel to Sunderland on 1 May.
The United manager will give a more detailed update on Rooney's condition at a press conference tomorrow morning.
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