Wayne Rooney will be nursed through the final week of the Premier League season to ensure that he is fit for the World Cup next month.

Manchester United’s interim boss Ryan Giggs confirmed on Friday that Rooney complained of a ‘tight groin’ which led to the England striker being swiftly withdrawn from training on Thursday and sent for scans.

It is understood that Rooney has aggravated the groin problem that forced him to miss five games over a three-week period in January when he went away for a warm-weather break with his family in Egypt.

Blow: Manchester United will be without star striker Wayne Rooney for the visit of Sunderland through injury

Country boy: England striker Rooney will be nursed through the latter stages of the season as the World Cup looms on the horizon in Brazil

Rest and recuperation eased the problem then, and United feel that Rooney might need another short spell on the sidelines to ensure the injury does not develop into something more serious.

The 28-year-old will not want to take any risks after struggling with injuries going into the last two World Cup tournaments in Germany and South Africa, but his participation in Brazil is not thought to be under any threat whatsoever.

Rooney will miss Saturday's game at home to Sunderland, having also come down with a stomach upset during the week, and it remains to be seen if he will feature in United’s remaining fixtures against Hull and Southampton.

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His place in the squad to face Sunderland could go to strike partner Robin van Persie, who is close to a comeback after missing the last eight games with a knee injury.

'Robin has been back training this week and he’s looked good,’ said Giggs. ‘Whether tomorrow is too early we’ll just see how he goes.

'A few of the lads have had a bug. Anders Lindegaard has had a bug and Wayne has, but Wayne has also got a tight groin so with the bug you just have to be careful.’