Van Nistelrooy Set to Face Surgery

After undergoing an initial medical test under Dr. Richard Steadman in the United States, Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy looks set to face the grim reality of undergoing surgery to correct a knee problem.

The Dutch predator striker, has been carrying a nagging right knee injury over the past month and although he managed a brief appearance on the pitch last week against Juventus in the Champions League, he has failed to make a complete recovery and may have possibly aggravated the problem.

He has since flown to the United States to consult specialist, Dr. Steadman to ascertain whether or not he will require surgery to cure the ailment and the initial examination that was conducted yesterday did not bring good news.

Two MRI scans of his knee revealed inconclusive results, but according to Dr. Steadman, he will more likely than not have to undergo some form of operation.

But according to Real Madrid’s official website, the 32 year old striker will first undertake arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure, to further diagnose the injury and repair the damaged cartilage and meniscus before considering open surgery.

It will cut down recovery time considerably, but it is still unknown if it will be successful or how long the key-hole surgery will keep him on the sidelines.