Op for Cicinho, rest for Beckham

While David Beckham has been laid low by a virus, Real Madrid have confirmed that team-mate Cicinho will need an operation after tearing the cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Beckham was also absent from training this morning follow last night’s victory against Real Betis.

The former England captain, who played as a substitute against Betis, has been ordered to rest after being diagnosed with a virus.

Attacking right-back Cicinho, one of Beckham’s rivals for a first-team place, sustained the injury during the first half of the Primera Liga clash at Real Betis after landing awkwardly having just blocked an attempted pass.

He was stretchered off in tears before being replaced by Raul Bravo in the 1-0 win in Seville.

Cicinho underwent tests today where the extent of the injury was confirmed, and the 26-year-old now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Real announced that Cicinho would undergo an operation on the knee tomorrow.

Real play Dynamo Kiev at home in the Champions League on Tuesday.