Real´s Van Nistelrooy to have knee operation in US

Real Madrid’s Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy is to undergo an operation on his right knee in the United States, the club said late Wednesday.

The Dutch striker made the trip across the Atlantic earlier this week to see Richard Steadman, who the doctor who already operated on the striker’s right knee in 2000.

The Real Madrid statement on the player said that Van Nistelrooy would undergo exlporatory surgery to ascertain the extent of the damage to his knee and then a decision would be made about how to proceed.

Spanish press reports said that the former Manchester United marksman could be out of action for up to three months.

His absence is a hard blow for the Spanish champions, who are currently fourth in the Primera Liga and who have suffered two defeats to Juventus in the Champions League.

They also crashed out of the Spanish Cup on Tuesday losing 4-3 to third division side Real Union.