Wayne Rooney has been ruled out of Manchester United’s Champions league clash with FC Basel and next weekend’s Premier League game against Norwich City after Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that he had picked up a hamstring injury.

The English striker was a surprise exclusion from Manchester United’s draw at Stoke and many were left wondering as to why the Premier League’s top marksman had been rested. But Ferguson confirmed after the game that his striker had picked up a knock in training.

Ferguson told the club’s channel, MUTV, after the game at the Britannia Stadium when he as asked about Rooney’s condition,

“It is difficult to say. It’s a hamstring. It is not a serious one, it is a mild one. I don’t think he will be available for next week. It will be more than a week out.”

According for Ferguson, Rooney will not even be match fit to take on Norwich City, Manchester United’s opponents next Saturday in the Premier League. While this may not come as a big blow to United’a ambitions especially with Danny Welbeck fit again and raring to go, but his absence was certainly felt by the league leaders at Stoke where they dropped their first points of the season.

Engand take on Montenegro on October 7, and Fabio Capello will be hoping he has Rooney fit and available for the game. Engand just just one more point to seal qualification for Euro 2012 and Rooney’s presence will certainly benefit the Three Lions.

There is something of an injury curse sweeping through the United camp at the moment with Rooney, Smalling, Vidic, Rafael and Hernandez all sidelined with various knocks. Chicharito picked up yet another knock just five minutes into the game at the Britannia Stadium and had to be replaced but Ferguson will be hoping to have him back soon given Rooney’s absence.