Real's Woodgate confident of full recovery

Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate is confident he will recover from a long-standing thigh injury and perform at the highest level for his new club.

The 24-year-old central defender, who was set to make his debut for the club next week after five months on the sidelines, suffered a recurrence of the injury during training on Thursday and will now go to the United States for specialist treatment.

"I was really sorry about what happened," Woodgate told Spanish sports daily Marca on Saturday.

"I had been working very hard in recent months and felt great, but now after this setback I am going to be doing everything I can to ensure that I recover properly and am available to help the coach and my team mates."

"I want the fans to be proud of me. I know that it will require a great effort...but I will be doing everything possible to ensure I succeed in this spectacular team."

Woodgate, who joined Real for 20 million euros ($24.63 million) from Newcastle United at the start of the season, has not played since tearing a thigh muscle during a league match against Chelsea in April. He missed Euro 2004 because of the injury.