Ruud van Nistelrooy could be out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his injured ankle.
According to reports in Spain, the Real Madrid striker had an operation to repair his damaged right ankle and is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks.
However, he is expected to have recovered in time to represent Holland at this summer’s Euro 2008 finals.
Real have yet to confirm the reports and are set to release a medical bulletin later today.
Van Nistelrooy has not played since suffering the injury in the 2-0 defeat at Almeria on February 2.
He has already missed the last eight matches, including the Champions League exit at the hands of Roma.