Young was out for more than a month with a similar problem

Young was quoted on Monday as saying he would "probably" be out for the season.

But Curbishley insisted the defender, who injured his ankle against West Ham on 2 April could be back by 22 April.

"We're a bit put out and so is he as talk that he is going to be out for the season, or even for the World Cup, is really premature," Curbishley said.

"We think he has got a good chance of coming back before the end of the season, around the time of the FA Cup semi-final (23 April), if we get through, or for the Bolton game (22 April).

"He's seeing a specialist on Monday and we are hopeful he is going to be not too far away."

Young will definitely miss Wednesday's FA Cup quarter-final replay at Middlesbrough.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson names his World Cup squad on 8 May.

Earlier reports quoted Young as saying: "It will probably be next season. I haven't had an operation but it doesn't look good."

Young, who suffered a similar injury earlier in the season, has his lower leg in a protective cast.