Robben To Return For Madrid Derby

Arjen Robben could be back in action in time to play in the Madrid derby against Atlético after tests revealed the extent of his latest injury.

The Dutchman came on as a substitute against Espanyol on Sunday evening, but then had to go back off after straining his thigh amid fresh fears that he would be sidelined for another long stint.

Instead, Robben has been given a lift by doctors who have told him that he should face no longer than two weeks out of action, although he will not be able to report for international duty.

"A timeframe of around two weeks has been given after the player received a slight a tear to the vastus medialis muscle," the Real Madrid medical report stated.

Robben has had a torrid time at the Bernabéu after moving to Spain from Chelsea at the start of last season and has been dubbed the Glass Man by the media.

It was feared that he would be out of action for longer, but is now expected to be available to Bernd Schuster once again when Real Madrid meet Atlético after the forthcoming break.

Holland will have to be without the 24-year-old for their World Cup qualifiers against Iceland and Norway in the next fortnight.