Wayne Rooney has revealed that he could be back to play in 10 games for Manchester United at the end of the season, ensuring he will be ready for England's Euro 2016 campaign over the summer.
The United and England captain spoke to reporters at the launch of United's global partnership with Gulf Oil international and said that his recovery from injury has been "going as planned."
The striker has missed United's past eight games after sustaining a knee ligament injury in the defeat at Sunderland.
United have one more league game -- the derby against Manchester City on Sunday -- before the international break. England will then play Germany on March 26 and the Netherlands three days later -- then Rooney is hoping to be back in action.
The next game for United in the league, after the England games, is Everton at home on April 3.
The 30-year-old United and England captain said: "It is going as planned. It is going how we first thought. It is going well so hopefully it won't be too long now.
"I don't know for definite but it could be after the international break. Obviously I will miss the England games, but it shouldn't be too long after that.
"It is not too bad. We are being a bit cautious. It is a difficult one to try and push. If I try and push and be involved now, it could cause more damage, so we are being cautious. After the international break is a more realistic target.
"I am hoping, if I am back when I am expected to be back, depending on the two cups we are still in [Europa League and FA Cup], then there could be 10 games left for United plus the England friendly games so I don't think that would be a worry."
As well as the Europa League round-of-16 second leg game against Liverpool on Thursday, United also have an FA Cup quarterfinal replay at West Ham United on their schedule. Progress in those matches would give Rooney the chance to play more cup football.
Aside from those games, United have nine more Premier League games to play in, including the derby on Sunday.