Real Madrid give Woodgate 10-week deadline

Real Madrid chiefs will give defender Jonathan Woodgate ten weeks to recover from his long-standing thigh injury.

If the England international hasn't recovered by January, then Real will enter the winter market for a new centre-half - and possibly seek buyers for the 24 year-old.

Woodgate will spend the weekend at Real's HQ preparing himself for his trip to the United States and Cleveland where he will undergo an intensive rehab programme.

"As far as my career goes as a footballer," said Woodgate. "This is the worst thing I have ever experienced."

"To recover from this is an enormous challenge. But I am going to fight to come out on top. I know I will do it."