Report: Wayne Rooney expected to return from ankle injury vs. Everton

Manchester United was given a boost on the injury front with news that Wayne Rooney is expected to return to the squad in time for its clash with Everton.

The United captain was sidelined by an ankle injury suffered during a training session with the English national team, but appears to have recovered in time for the fixture at Goodison Park on Oct. 17, sources tell Sky Sports.

The ailment forced Rooney to miss a Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia and Monday's encounter in Lithuania. England qualified for next summer's tournament with a 6-0 win over San Marino in September.

His return comes at a critical point in the season as United's match against Everton is followed by a Champions League match against CSKA Moscow and the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Oct. 25.

Rooney last featured in Louis van Gaal's side during United's 3-0 loss to Arsenal, where it appeared he suffered a knock to his ankle when made contact with a defender's foot as he attempted a shot.

United currently sits in third place with 16 points through eight matches.