Real's Cicinho expected to return to action in March

Real Madrid defender Cicinho has undergone surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and is expected to be out for six months.

"The operation (on Tuesday) was a success. There is no great rush for him to return but we hope that he will be back playing again in March," Real doctor Alfonso del Corral was quoted as saying on the club's Web site.

The 26-year-old Brazilian international sustained the injury during Real's 1-0 win away to Real Betis in the Primera Liga on Saturday.