Real Madrid hopeful of Woodgate return

England international defender Jonathan Woodgate hopes to make his Real Madrid debut before the end of this season.

Woodgate joined the Spanish giants from Newcastle last year but has yet to kick a ball in anger for Real after suffering long-term injury problems.

However, medical tests in Finland have revealed that the player's injured left leg has now healed.

Now the player will begin a fitness and rehabilitation plan that the club hopes will make him eligible to play before the end of the current campaign.

A statement posted on club website said: "The player (Woodgate), who returned to Madrid on Thursday, will follow the plan outlined by Dr. Orava with the objective of being fully recovered before the end of the season."

Previously the club had indicated that Woodgate would not play again this campaign.