Morientes opts out of op but will miss Bayern tie

Back in 4 weeks

Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes is certain to miss next week's Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich despite deciding not to have surgery on a persistent groin injury, the club said on Friday.

"When he says he can't continue with the pain then we will go for the operation," said club doctor Juan Carlos Hernandez.

"Until then we have to wait, because you never know what might happen. It is possible that he could be playing inside four weeks because he will respond to the treatment."

The club said that if he does undergo surgery then the recovery period will be in the region of two to three months.
Morientes pulled up in training on Thursday after feeling pain in the injured area and is now undergoing intensive
treatment for the injury. The Spanish international, who has spent much of this season trying to shake off injury problems, has scored four goals in the Champions League and six in the league.

Real have also decided to rest central defender Fernando Hierro and midfielder Ivan Helguera for this weekend's league match against relegation-threatened Osasuna. Helguera sustained a foot injury playing for Spain in Wednesday's friendly international against Japan, while Hierro has not yet fully recovered from the thigh strain he sustained in the Champions League quarter-final against Galatasaray.

"We are in an enviable situation in the league and that allows us some room for manoeuvre, so that is why Hierro and
Helguera will be rested this weekend," said coach Vicente Del Bosque.

Real have an 11-point lead over second-placed Deportivo Coruna in the Spanish first division.