Real Madrid have confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
Van Nistelrooy flew to the united States to consult leading surgeon Richard Steadman, who previously operated on him.
The former Manchester United striker damaged the knee during a 2-1 Champions League defeat at Juventus in October.
He missed Real’s La Liga games against Almeria and Athletic Bilbao before returning for the 2-0 home defeat by the Italian side.
But a scan appeared to show he had aggravated an injury that threatened to end his career in 2000.
“Following an exploratory arthroscopic operation on Wednesday, it was determined that Ruud van Nistelrooy had a partially torn meniscus in his right knee,” Real Madrid stated on their official website.
“Real Madrid’s medical staff, Dr. Steadman and the player decided to surgically repair the damaged knee, by which he will miss between six and nine months.”
It is now believed that Real will be looking at bringing in striking reinforcements in January.
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