Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects Wayne Rooney to be out of action for another five weeks with an ankle problem.
Rooney has not played since the 2-2 draw against West Brom on 16th October, when he came on a substitute for the final 20 minutes.
He was then ruled out of the UEFA Champions League clash with Bursaspor a few days later after suffering an injury in training, as talks over his future at the club dominated the headlines.
The striker has therefore already been sidelined for almost a fortnight with an injury that was initially expected to keep him out for just three weeks.
Ferguson admitted on Friday that he would be out for longer and the England striker is now not likely to be back until early December.
"I think Wayne Rooney will be out for another five weeks," said Ferguson.
"He'll have to pick up his fitness again. I would think five weeks should be about right."
If Ferguson's estimation proves correct then Rooney could miss several vital Premier League games as well as United's three remaining Champions League Group C fixtures.
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