Real Madrid medicos prepare Woodgate statement

Real Madrid's medical team will hold a media conference next week to map out details of Jonathan Woodgate's continued rehabilitation.

It's expected to be confirmed that the England international will not make his debut for Real this season over a long-standing thigh complaint. Experts from Europe and the United States are studying data from tests on Woodgate's injury and will deliver their findings in the coming days.

It will be decided whether Woodgate needs surgery and in the meantime he is continuing his rehab in Madrid.

"This injury is not the end for me," insisted the former Newcastle and Leeds centre-half yesterday.