Lengthy absence for Raul

REAL MADRID captain Raul could be sidelined until March after damaging his cruciate ligament and cartilage in his knee in the 3-0 loss to Barcelona.

The 28-year-old striker was stretchered off during Saturday’s match and will undergo tests to assess the extent of the complex injury.

It is believed that Raul will definitely be out of action for at least two months. Recovery time will double should the Spain international need surgery.

Raul sustained the injury when taking a shot and had to leave the pitch early in the second half. It is also a cause for concern for Spain ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Germany.