Carlos handed injury boost

Roberto Carlos has been given the all-clear to star in Wednesday's Super Copa return leg despite fears of a re-occurrence of an old knee injury.

The Brazilian ace is famous for his high-velocity, precision free-kicks but his speciality occasionally takes its toll on his legs and particulary his weaker right knee. Carlos needed brief medical attention during Sunday's first leg encounter with Zaragoza, and was stretchered off after rifling a powerful strike on goal in the 20th minute.

The player was able to return to the game three minutes later but it gave Real's medical staff a shock and they are keen to see that the player does not fall injured in the club's centenary year. Carlos suffered tendonitis in his right knee two years ago and the non-stop schedule of
games for club and country during the past 18 months has meant that he has not had much time to make a full recovery. Doctors have prescribed a routine for the left-back that should keep him out of the casualty room when Real need him most, and he will not train with his team-mates the day after major games to help give his legs a rest. Ice packs, anti-inflamatories and regular physiotherapy sessions should also keep the tendon injury at bay.

Carlos recognized that from now on he is going to have to be more careful and told reporters on Tuesday: "I gave myself a bit of a shock against Zaragoza. I'm going to have to look after myself and take more care with my tendon."

"Doctors at the club will be monitoring both my knees to see that the injury doesn't return."