Bleeding marvellous: Rooney's back from THAT gash for United and England

Wayne Rooney is set to make his long-awaited comeback for Manchester United - on Wednesday.

Rooney has been out of action since suffering a gruesome, deep gash to his right thigh on August 25 in an accidental clash with Fulham's Hugo Rodallega.

But the England striker has stepped up his training in recent days and is in line to be named on the bench for the Captial One Cup tie against Newcastle at Old Trafford.

With the wound - which required 11 stitches - now healed, Rooney has resumed full training and is desperate to make his return as soon as possible.

Sofa so good: Rooney tweeted this thumbs-up photo after surgery

 

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be briefed by his medical staff before deciding whether to include Rooney among his substitutes, but right now the striker looks likely to feature.

If Rooney does figure, it will be a huge boost for United - as well as England, ahead of next month's back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland.

Ferguson is set to make wholesale change for the third round tie, taking the opportunity to rest established players rested ahead of Saturday's home date with in-form Tottenham.

United are hopeful that skipper Nemanja Vidic, who missed Sunday's win at Liverpool with a knee injury, will recover in time, but could be without a recognised centre-back against Newcastle.

Back pain: Vidic's injury could see rookies Wooton and Keane face Newcastle

       

With Vidic, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones all injured, Fergie is unwilling to risk either Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans against Newcastle, which leaves him with few options in central defence.

Youngsters Scott Wooton and Michael Keane are likely to be partnered in the heart of a new-look rearguard, which will also see summer signing Alexander Buttner come in for Patrice Evra at left-back.