Emilio backs unlucky Woody

INJURY-TROUBLED Jonathan Woodgate has been given the backing of Real Madrid vice-president Emilio Butragueno.

Woodgate has been plagued by injuries during his time with Real and only made his debut in August 2005 - 16 months after joining the club from Newcastle for £13.4m.

This season, the England defender has played in only six Primera Liga games and two Champions League matches. He lasted the full 90 minutes against Villarreal on January 8 but has since been sidelined with a muscle strain in his left leg.