Wayne Rooney has said that he hopes that Manchester United strike partner Danny Welbeck makes a recovery from injury soon.

The 20-year-old pulled his hamstring during United's 8-2 victory over Arsenal yesterday, a game in which he opened the scoring with a headed goal.

Rooney, who hit a hat-trick in the same game, believes that Welbeck will play a big role for both club and country once he is fit again.

"He's been playing really well and got another goal. I'm sure he would have been in the England squad so it's a big shame," he told MUTV.

"Hopefully he gets back soon enough. When he does, he will score goals. He is going to be a very important player for us this season."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Welbeck could be out of action for four to five weeks.