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.