Manchester United's Wayne Rooney reacts after the Champions League group B soccer match between Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015. The match ended 0-0. (AP Photo/Jon Super)Jon Super/Associated Press

Wayne Rooney Injury: Updates on Manchester United Striker's Ankle and Return

Stuart NewmanDec 4, 2015

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney picked up an ankle injury ahead of the Dec. 5 draw with West Ham United. He returned to competitive action against Norwich City on Dec. 19.

Continue for updates.

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Rooney Available vs. Norwich

Saturday, Dec. 19

Rooney was named in United's starting lineup for the visit of the Canaries.

Latest on Rooney's Training Status

Friday, Dec. 18

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal revealed Rooney returned to training ahead of the Norwich match.

Van Gaal Comments on Rooney Injury

Friday, Dec. 4

"It’s a nasty injury," Van Gaal said. The Dutchman added: "It’s been getting worse but we have to let him train to make the ankle stronger, that’s very important. I cannot say [how long he's out for] because the doctor shall decide that with Wayne of course. He is training well in the rehabilitation."

Out-of-Form Skipper Needed Break

Rooney has come under immense scrutiny this season, with many saying the striker is past his best. The stats don’t exactly support the England man, either, who has chalked up just two goals in 12 Premier League games this term, per WhoScored.com.

It goes without saying that Rooney’s leadership is missed on the pitch, but his setback could have been a blessing in disguise for United.

Van Gaal's attack was lacking speed and incision, so Rooney's absence allowed summer signing Anthony Martial to lead the line. However, Rooney's enforced spell on the sidelines came during something of an injury crisis that even led to forgotten man Nick Powell's drafting into the first-team picture, and United haven't won a game since the 2-1 victory over Watford on Nov. 21.