Madrid lose Van Nistelrooy to injury

Real Madrid have been hit with a crucial injury blow, after it was announced that striker Ruud van Nisterrooy requires knee surgery and is likely to miss the remainder of the season.

Van Nistelrooy, who has been suffering for knee pain for months, traveled to the United States last week for exploratory surgery on his knee. Doctors discovered damage to cartilage in the striker's knee as well as a cyst on his knee ligaments.

Van Nistelrooy is no stranger to knee injuries, having had to undergo surgery prior to his move from PSV Eindhoven to Manchester United. Dr Richard Steadman, the surgeon who dealt with his previous injury, will once again be looking to help Van Nistelrooy return to action.

The injury to Van Nistelrooy is likely to impact both Real Madrid's La Liga and Champions League campaigns. The Dutchman has scored 3 times in the Champions League and 4 times in the domestic league, and his absence will take the edge off the Madrid attack.

Van Nistelrooy is expected to be out of action for at least 6 months, and may take up to 9 months to recover from surgery.

We recommend William Hill for the best football betting experience.