Wayne Rooney injury: Manchester United captain out with 'nasty' injury, will miss West Ham and Wolfsburg games

Louis van Gaal has confirmed the striker will play no part against West Ham this weekend

Wayne Rooney (GETTY IMAGES)

Wayne Rooney will not be available for Manchester United's crucial Champions League tie with Wolfsburg or this weekend due to a "nasty" injury that was, according to manager Louis van Gaal, "more heavy than we thought".

The Manchester United skipper was withdrawn during last weekend's 1-1 draw against Leicester with what was thought to be little more than a knock.

However, it's transpired that the injury to the striker is more serious. "It's more heavy than we thought and a nasty injury," Van Gaal revealed on MUTV.

It means Rooney will play no part in this weekend's Premier League meeting with West Ham at Old Trafford or the Champions League tie with Wolfsburg which they may well need to win to progress.

"It's a nasty injury. He shall not play his 500th game (on Saturday) because he is more injured than I thought so we have to wait for that game," the United manager said.

"His ankle is not good enough and we have to recover that ankle with a lot of strength. He has to do a lot of exercises to make his ankle stronger. He needs more time."

Asked if he will miss the game in Germany on Tuesday, Van Gaal said: "Yes, I think so."

The absence may come as a blessing in disguise for the captain, whose form and lack of goals this term has led to intense discussion over whether he even merits a place in the Manchester United side. So far this season, Van Gaal has persisted with the 30-year-old as his lead striker, despite a return of just three goals in 15 domestic games. An enforced break could perhaps help see an upturn in displays.

An exact return date for Rooney has not been given.

Manchester United vs West Ham kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.