Woodgate included in Real squad

Jonathan Woodgate could finally make his first senior appearance for Real Madrid tomorrow after being called into their squad to face an All-Star team from the US Major League Soccer.

Real coach Wanderley Luxemburgo has summoned all of his players for the annual Santiago Bernabeu Trophy, but refused to speculate as to whether Woodgate would play any part.

The former Leeds and Newcastle defender belatedly made his first appearance in a Madrid shirt when he took part in a practice game against a junior side last Friday.

To play against the MLS All-Stars would be a big step forward for the 25-year-old – after spending a year on the sidelines through injury – but it is likely the best he can hope for will be a brief substitute appearance.

“At the moment we have planned a game for him on Wednesday so he can go on gaining confidence, we have still not decided if he will play some minutes on Tuesday or not,” said Luxemburgo, who has also recalled Iker Casillas into his squad after the goalkeeper recovered from a thigh injury.

The game could provide another chance for England striker Michael Owen to prove his value to either Madrid or any potential buyers ahead of this weekend’s Primera Liga kick-off against Cadiz.

Although Owen, 25, is almost certain to start on the bench, he should get the opportunity at some point to prove to his current employers that he is still one of the deadliest strikers in European football.

But with Brazilian striker Robinho due to arrive in Madrid this Thursday, Owen could slip further down the pecking order and this could be his last chance to force himself into Luxemburgo‘s plans.

The game should also answer questions as to who will play in central defence and whether new signing Julio Baptista will start the season on the left side of midfield, where until now he has looked uncomfortable.

Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol, who is now in charge of the New England Revolution, will coach the MLS team.

Included in the 19-man squad are six United States internationals, as well as Metrostars playmaker Youri Djorkaeff.

Djorkaeff could come up against Zinedine Zidane, his former World Cup-winning team-mate with France.