Rude shock for Nistelrooy, undergoes surgery

The veteran striker is suffering from synovitis, a type of joint inflammation, and could yet need the remainder of the season to recover.

The Dutchman suffered from bruising to his right ankle after his side's loss to Almeria in February 2, but managed to face Betis, Roma and Getafe, before succumbing to the injury February 24.

It was originally thought that a period of rest would have him back in action a month after that date, but in fact things have deteriorated to the point that surgery was apparently the only option.

Doctors at the Ruber International Clinic won't commit to an exact recovery period, but they have hinted that the best-case scenario is that Ruud will recover in time for the final four Liga matches, against Osasuna, Barcelona, Zaragoza and Levante.

The alternative is that he misses the rest of the competitive season in its entirety, although he is expected to return to action in time to represent the Netherlands at this summer's Euro 2008 tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

Ruud, 31, joined Real Madrid in 2006. He has scored 49 goals in 75 appearances for the blancos in all competitions.

The Real Madrid hierarchy were originally silent over the issue, but shortly after 13:00 local time they emerged on their official website with the following statement:

Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Dutch international striker of Real Madrid, will today (Saturday) undergo exploratory arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle due to his suffering of chronic synotivis.

The procedure will take place in Amsterdam under Dr. van Dijk, a specialist in arthrosopic ankle surgery, following consulation with the medical services of Real Madrid.