Van Nistelrooy will recover for the next season

Real Madrid’s Ruud van Nistelrooy is on course to recover from surgery to his right knee in time for the start of the 2009-10 Primera Liga season, the striker said.

“I think I will be able to return to training in a month. It feels good and I am optimistic. I’m looking forward to kicking a ball again and playing a match,” the former Dutch international told sports daily Marca on Tuesday.

“I will have to wait until next season, but I am very enthusiastic and very motivated,” said the 32-year-old, who had surgery in November after damaging a cartilage in his right knee. He was ruled out for between six and nine months.