Eriksson backs Woodgate for Real Madrid comeback

England boss Sven Goran Eriksson is backing Jonathan Woodgate's recovery from long-term injury at Real Madrid.
 
Woodgate was plagued by injuries last season at Real Madrid, having suffered similar problems at Newcastle, and his only game for England in the past two-and-a-half years was a friendly against Sweden in March 2004.

Many observers fear he will never recover fully, although he has now started to take part in practice matches in Spain and is still hoping to make his long-awaited comeback.

Eriksson is already blessed with a host of top-class central defenders including Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Sol Campbell, Ledley King, Jamie Carragher and Wes Brown, but is closely monitoring Woodgate's progress.

"There is good news. He is fit, doing everything and he is playing some games with the junior team as they don't have reserve teams in Spain," revealed the England coach.

"I have spoken to him once or twice, he's been very unlucky. If he gets back to how he was two years ago then of course he will still be in my mind. But I'm not going to pick him yet."

"Will Jonathan Woodgate be good enough if he comes back? You will know that immediately because he has to play for Real - and if central defenders are not good for Real, it's a big problem."