Manchester United admit news on Wayne Rooney is more positive for England than themselves. A scan revealed a severe ankle sprain. But it is thought he escaped more serious torn or ruptured ligaments.
Rooney, whose spirits were lifted by a host of "best wishes" texts from fellow England players, emerged wearing a protective boot.
He will miss several vital United games, including the Premier League showdown against Chelsea on Saturday and the return quarter-final match with Bayern next week.
But a United source told the Scottish Sun: "United have the best medical team and he couldn't be in safer hands.
"We know it's in our best interests to make sure he's 100 per cent fit. It would be a tragedy if he came back too soon and suffered another setback. That could ruin his World Cup dream."