Soccer: Rooney likely to be out for two months

MANCHESTER - Manchester United soccer striker Wayne Rooney is likely to be out of action for two months after breaking his left foot against Reading on Monday (NZ time).

Rooney will miss England's two Euro 2008 qualifiers in September but United manager Alex Ferguson said the striker could be fit in time for the tie with Estonia on October 13.

"It will be two months out," Ferguson said today.

"To be on the safe side, we would say it is going to be two months, but hopefully he can come back quicker."

"It's a bad blow for England and I'm disappointed for (England coach) Steve McClaren. I spoke to him last night and I could sense the disappointment. It's a bad blow for him.

"They have options for the games against Israel and Russia in September.

"They should cope without him. I would expect him to be back for October."

Rooney is definitely out of England's friendly against Germany on August 22 and the home matches against Israel on September 8 and against Russia four days later.

McClaren already is already without the banned Peter Crouch and Michael Owen is doubtful with a thigh injury.

Rooney also broke a bone in his right foot during Euro 2004 and another bone in the right foot just before the 2006 World Cup.

- REUTERS