Real Madrid treat Woodgate with "patience, patience, patience"

The big test for Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate is when he begins taking part in practice games at training.
 
The England international has made good progress since joining his teammates in training in the last fortnight after over a year out of action with thigh and knee injuries.

Woodgate has been working four hours every day, taking part in morning sessions with the rest of the squad before a weights session in the afternoon. The former Newcastle and Leeds star has made good progress, but so far all the drills he has taken part in are very "controlled".

Only when he takes part in a match situation will the fitness staff be able to guarantee to coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo that Woodgate can be considered for the first team this season.

"For Woody, it's all a question of patience," said one Real coach yesterday. "Patience, patience, patience."