LONDON, Aug 12 (Reuters) - England striker Wayne Rooney suffered a hairline fracture of his left foot in Manchester United's 0-0 draw with Reading on Sunday, the Premier League champions announced.
'The England striker was substituted at halftime after being caught by Michael Duberry as the Royals defender tried to block a shot,' United said.
'Although Rooney did briefly play on after receiving treatment, Sir Alex Ferguson opted not to risk any further injury by fielding him in the second half, and a post-match hospital scan has validated that decision.
'The result of Rooney's scan has worsened a frustrating opening day of the season, and as yet there is no timescale of his recovery.'
Ferguson had been hoping for the best immediately after Sunday's season opener at Old Trafford, saying: 'It was painful, he couldn't really stand on it.
'I don't think it's the same injury as the last, obviously we hope and pray that that's the case.
'But it was sore and it started to swell so there was no point in trying anything for the second half.'
However, the hospital confirmed the worst fears for Ferguson, who had underlined Rooney's absence for the second half.
'I think the loss of Wayne Rooney was obvious,' the Scot said
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