Real´s Van Nistelrooy ´in US for knee treatment´

Real Madrid's Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy has left for the United States to receive treatment for a knee injury from the same specialist who operated on him eight years ago, the club said Tuesday.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy and a member of the club's medical staff left for the United States today, where they will see Dr. (Richard) Steadman, who operated on the striker's right knee in 2000,” it said in a statement.

“Following a medical examination and MRI last Friday, Real Madrid's medical staff determined that the player has possibly injured the meniscus in his right knee.”

The sports daily Marca said he may undergo surgery from Wednesday.

“Neither the player nor Real Madrid want to lose more time and the aim is that Van Nistelrooy is back in Madrid at the end of next week to recuperate,” Marca said.

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.