Footballer Wayne Rooney is waiting to find out the severity of the ankle injury he sustained last night in the Champions League tie in Munich.

The Manchester United forward began the game with a goal but ended it being helped off the field after twisting his ankle in a tackle in the final minute.

Footage of the player shown on the club's official website showed Rooney leaving the stadium on crutches with his right leg in a protective casing.

Manager Alex Ferguson said: "He might be doubtful for Saturday but we don’t know for sure. It's too early to tell. We’ll see what it’s like tomorrow."

Those who are suffering ankle pain may find that using an ultrasound machine helps ease the pain and swelling to enable them to get back into action quickly.

The injury comes less than three months before the World Cup in South Africa.

Four years ago, Rooney was close to missing the tournament after suffering a broken metatarsal, but managed to play after an intensive recovery programme including spells in an oxygen tank.