| Ruud to go under the knife
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Ruud Van Nistelrooy is to undergo surgery to repair an ankle injury, the club announced.
Van Nistelrooy "will today undergo an exploratory atroscopic operation on his right ankle due to the chronic synovitis which he is suffering," Real said in a statement on its website. It said the operation would take place in Amsterdam.
Real did not indicate how long he may be out of action, but the sports daily Marca said he could be unavailable until the end of the season. The Dutchman, Spain's top scorer last season, has not played for almost a month already.
This season Van Nistelrooy has hit a dozen league goals, but has not found the target since 20 January. Raul is the club's top marksman this season with 13 in La Liga.
Despite a weekend loss to Deportivo La Coruna, Real, who are defending champions, have a seven-point lead over rivals Barcelona. |
