Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Wayne Rooney has had 10 stitches inserted in a horror head injury that will sideline him for both Manchester United and England this week.

He suffered the sickening gash to his forehead after an ­accidental collision with team-mate Phil Jones during the champions' final preparations for today’s clash with Liverpool.

The striker is now out of United’s Anfield ­showdown and looks ­certain to miss England’s ­crucial World Cup games against Moldova and Ukraine.

Rooney will wake up with a huge headache this morning - and Moyes and Hodgson will know exactly how their star striker is feeling.

The striker needed several stitches and left United’s Carrington training ground with his head swathed in bandages.

And Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal that ­he is out of the trip to his native Merseyside.

The Old Trafford’s medical team have ­already contacted the FA to inform them that the head wound is serious enough to sideline the 27-year-old striker for England’s forthcoming World Cup double header.

The Three Lions face ­Moldova at Wembley on Friday night before travelling to face Ukraine in Kiev on ­Tuesday night. England need to win both matches as they pursue their qualification for next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

Rooney’s absence will be a massive blow for both his club and country.

The United No.10 has just come through a torrid summer, during which he ­expressed a desire to quit Old Trafford to join Chelsea. The Blues, bolstered by the return of Jose Mourinho as manager, had publicly ­courted the striker for weeks.

But even when a £40million bid was in the offing, United stuck to their guns and maintained Rooney was going nowhere.

Moyes, in his first major test since succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as Old Trafford manager, refused to countenance the player’s sale to one of his club’s biggest rivals.

Moyes was delighted when Rooney ­performed so impressively against Chelsea during last Monday night’s goalless draw with Mourinho’s side to prove, when it comes to playing competitive football, Rooney always gives his best.

The United boss was hoping that the striker would now hit top form, especially after shaking off a shoulder injury which plagued his pre-season preparations.

And the bitter irony for Rooney this ­weekend is that he personally relishes ­playing at Anfield.

He grew up a proud Evertonian, who took delight in being the butt of abuse whenever he played for his first club, or United, against Liverpool.

The abuse from the Anfield stands often seemed to inspire him.

The news that Rooney will be missing from action over the next 10 days will both delight and dismay Steven Gerrard.

The Liverpool and England captain spoke glowingly about his fellow Scouser ahead of Sunday’s clash with ­United.

Asked to reflect on the fact that Rooney was staying with United after a ­summer of transfer ­speculation, Gerrard said: “It’s bad news for us that Rooney is back. It’s as simple as that.

“Wayne is a top player. I know how good Wayne Rooney is. I’ve worked with him for a long time, I know him personally and I know how much he loves playing against Liverpool.

“Are Manchester United weaker without him? Yes.

“His attitude looked all right (against Chelsea) the other night to me. He was the best player on the pitch.

“I think Manchester United have had a real touch if he stays because I think he’ll be wanting to break records very soon.

“I think he’ll have a fantastic season for them, which is not good news for everyone else in the Premier League.”

Rooney’s absence will be felt even more keenly by England.

He has become a talisman for Hodgson and the England boss wanted Rooney to spearhead his attack for two must-win Group H ties.

His absence will be a savage blow to the Three Lions.