Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has reportedly been sidelined from both United and England duty for some time after having ten stitches on his head following a 'sickening' collision during training.
According to the Mirror, Rooney accidentally collided with teammate Phil Jones during the Premier League champions' final preparations for Sunday's clash with Liverpool and also looks certain to miss England's crucial World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.
The report further said that the striker left United's Carrington training ground with his head swathed in bandages, and the Premier League champions have informed the FA that the head wound is serious enough to sideline Rooney for England's forthcoming World Cup double header.
The report mentioned that England face Moldova at Wembley September 6 and Ukraine in Kiev on September 10, adding that the country needs to win both matches to qualify for next year's World Cup finals in Brazil.
The report also said that Rooney's absence would be heavily felt by both United and England, especially by the Three Lions, as he has become a talisman for England boss Roy Hodgson, who wanted him to spearhead his attack for two must-win games.
Rooney, who has finally accepted to stay on United after expressing a desire to quit the club for Chelsea, will have a bitter blow this weekend as he takes delight in being the butt of verbal abuse while playing at his native Merseyside, which reportedly inspires him.