Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney could be out of action for up to two months after his leg injury was diagnosed as more severe than first thought.
The 26-year-old suffered a severe gash on his right leg in an accidental clash with Fulham's Hugo Rodallega during Saturday's 3-2 win over the Cottagers at Old Trafford.
Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson had originally said that the 26-year-old was likely to miss four weeks with the injury.
However, the cut went through to the bone, damaging the muscle in Rooney's thigh and, as a result, his leg could need twice as long to recover.
If Rooney were to remain sidelined for the next two months, he would miss 14 matches, including United's first three Champions League games.