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Wayne Rooney is targeting a sensational comeback for the Manchester derby.

Rooney is out of action after suffering a horrific gash to his forehead during a training ground clash with Manchester United team-mate Phil Jones.

The United striker required 10 stitches to the head wound, which ruled him out of England’s World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine. Old Trafford boss David Moyes had initially ruled Rooney out for three weeks after United’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on September 1.

That would take Rooney’s recovery timescale right up to the September 22 showdown with local and title rivals City at the Etihad Stadium.

But it is understood Rooney - who has been on a sunshine break in Portugal with his family while he recuperates - now has a chance of facing City.

Rooney is due to resume light training towards the end of the week, with United’s medical staff closely monitoring the healing process of the wound.

If the wound has healed sufficiently for Rooney to head a ball, then the 27-year-old striker will be considered by Moyes for selection against City.

Even if the cut has healed to enable Rooney to play, Moyes and his staff must decide whether the striker, who has not trained for 10 days, is fit enough to figure.

(Image: facebook.com/WayneRooney)

Rooney missed United’s defeat at Liverpool after suffering the injury in training the day before when Jones caught him accidentally with a boot during a tackle.

He has no chance of being fit for Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace or their Champions League opener against Bayer Leverkusen the following Wednesday.

Angered by the perception his injury was not severe enough to rule him out of England duty, Rooney posted a picture of it on his official Facebook page.

Rooney, annoyed that his commitment to England was being called into question, said: “Some people seem to be questioning my commitment and the fact I had to pull out of the two games.

“I’m sure people will see the reason why I won’t be able to play. There’s nothing I would like more than to be helping the lads in the qualifiers.”