Former Liverpool and Sunderland physio Mark Leather says Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney must be careful about returning ahead of schedule after his ankle injury.

In a column for the Daily Mail, Leather wrote: "Rooney appears to have strained the ligaments. It's just a question of how badly - from a little tweak which will keep him out for two to three weeks to a common second degree tear which could be up to six weeks.

"He would still be fit for the World Cup but might not have any games to work on his match fitness, apart from the pre-tournament friendlies.

"Any injury is vulnerable to aggravation if you try to come back too soon.

"Rooney will probably be fitted with a 'Cryo Cuff', a glorified ice pack which circulates cool water around the joint."