Operation will give Solari breathing space

Real Madrid midfielder Santiago Solari is to have an operation on his nose in an attempt to end the breathing problems which have plagued him all season. The Argentinian will now miss the champions' last Liga game against Valladolid.

Solari's problem became acute during the spring when he was also suffering from allergies. Coach Vicente del Bosque has therefore allowed him to go ahead with the surgery before the end of the season.

Solari has not been used as frequently as he would have hoped at the start of the season. He arrived at the beginning of the campaign from Atletico Madrid, after his cousin Fernando Redondo recommended him.

Frequently compared with Uruguayan legend Enzo Francescoli, who also played for River Plate, Solari is a left-sided midfielder with great style. He made his name at Atletico, thriving under the leadership of Arrigo Sacchi, before faltering during Atletico's disastrous 1999-00 season.

When Atletico were relegated, it was no surprise to see Solari join Real. But he has found it difficult to dislodge Savio and Steve McManaman from the first team.