Wayne Rooney hopes to be back in action by April 17

London, Apr. 2 (ANI): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who had sprained his ankle during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, is hoping to return for the Premier League derby with Manchester City on April 17.

Earlier, initial medical reports had ruled the 24-year-old out of action for a month.

On Tuesday, the sight of Rooney hobbling on crutches made the whole of England worried, as it was an action replay of his 2006 scare when a broken bone in his foot made him doubtful for that year's World Cup.

But the England star can now relax as he has been told that his ankle injury was just "minor" ligament damage, The Sun reports.

He also spoke to England boss Fabio Capello to confirm he should be fit long before the World Cup in June.

Rooney was driven home by a pal but has been seen behind the wheel of his car since the injury against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

A United source said: "The news is very positive." (ANI)