New setback for Woodgate as he tries to regain fitness

Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate has suffered another setback in his bid to return to fitness, missing training for the second day in a row because of a back problem.

The England international was poised to return to action for Real this weekend after recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained while playing against Arsenal in the Champions League a month ago.

The latest problem, which the club says is acute back and sciatic pain, is likely to rule him out for next week's game at Barcelona.

The 26-year-old centre back has been plagued by injury in recent years and has played only nine league games this season following his return from an 18-month lay-off because of a torn thigh muscle.

Woodgate had been on the verge of returning to the England squad in November but missed out after suffering a hamstring injury during a league match against Real Zaragoza.

The former Leeds and Newcastle defender won the last of his five caps for England in a friendly against Sweden in March 2004.