Ruud under the knife
19/03/2008 22:09  - (SA)  

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Madrid - Real Madrid's Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair an ankle injury, the club announced.

Van Nistelrooy "today underwent an exploratory atroscopic operation on his right ankle due to the chronic synovitis which he is suffering," Real said in a statement on their website.

It said the operation took place in Amsterdam. Real did not indicate how long he may be out of action, but the sports daily Marca said he could be unavailable until the end of the season.

The Dutchman, league top scorer last season, has not played for almost a month already.

This season Van Nistelrooy has hit a dozen league goals, but has not found the target since January 20. Raul is the club's top marksman this season with 13 in La Liga.

Despite a weekend loss to La Coruna, the meringues, who are defending champions, have a seven-point lead over rivals Barcelona.

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