The striker is unavailable for the Three Lions' upcoming World Cup clashes after sustaining a head wound in Manchester United training prior to the weekend's loss to Liverpool.
And with Red Devils boss David Moyes having said Rooney will not be fit for three weeks, Carrick believes that the criticism levelled by some onlookers is unfair.
We know what he is like," the midfielder told reporters.
"If there was a way of playing he would. It is easy for people to look at the past and compare with what has gone on but every situation is different.
"It was a bad cut. It wasn't nice to see. It is unfortunate but it is something that we will deal with."
Carrick also commented on the ongoing debate over the need to develop English talent in light of an injury crisis that also sees Daniel Sturridge, Glen Johnson and Phil Jones on the treatment table.
"It is a tough one," he continued. "You can spend a lot of time talking about it, and come up with reasons, for and against.
"There are still English players at the top level and certainly, there are an awful lot of English players in our team at Manchester United.
"If you are good enough you will get through but it is probably becoming harder because of the economic situation and people looking abroad.
"Now the transfer fees are so high maybe it will come back round to people looking at English players again.
"Hopefully that is the case because it would be nice to see a lot more home-grown talent getting a chance.
"But it is easy for me to say that. There is a bigger picture."