Van Nistelrooy hoping for rapid recovery

Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is keeping his fingers crossed his latest knee problem will only keep him sidelined until the middle of January.

Van Nistelrooy this week travelled to the United States to consult with specialist Dr Richard Steadman, the surgeon who operated on the same right knee in 2000, and it was decided yesterday the Dutchman needed to undergo arthroscopic surgery.

That procedure should determine what steps will be needed next and how long Van Nistelrooy might be out for, although the 32-year-old is hoping he will be back sooner rather than later.

“After eight years to come back here is not something good, but it is very important to be with the best and he (Dr Steadman) is the best,” Van Nistelrooy told Spanish television channel Cuatro.

“I hope I’m fortunate and it will be only eight weeks (that I am out) or something like that.”

While Van Nistelrooy has been on the other side of the Atlantic, Madrid found themselves plunged into crisis after being knocked out of the Copa del Rey at the fourth round stage by minnows Real Union on Tuesday.

That huge upset against the third division outfit, combined with three defeats in their previous six competitive outings, has led to press speculation in Spain suggesting Madrid coach Bernd Schuster could be sacked if they do not beat Real Valladolid this weekend.

Van Nistelrooy insists things have been blown out of proportion though, saying: “We are two points off the leaders in the league, in a good position to get through to the Champions League last 16 and it seems we are the worst team in the world.

“If we play well, we will be able to get through this. We have to continue working hard and fighting and we still have competitions to fight for.”