Woodgate's ready, says Real Madrid coach Luxemburgo

England defender Jonathan Woodgate is ready to play a competitive game for the first time in 17 months, said Real Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo.

Luxemburgo suggested that the former Newcastle United player, who Real signed for 13.4 million pounds in August 2004, may even start Thursday's Spanish first division game against Athletic Bilbao.

Injuries and suspensions have forced Luxemburgo's hand in the centre of his back four as Real attempt to stop their downward spiral after three consecutive losses.

New signing Sergio Ramos was sent off on Sunday as Real slumped to a 1-0 loss at Espanyol and is banned, while fellow central defender Ivan Helguera has a groin strain and is highly doubtful for the visit of the Basque club.

"Helguera was in pain after training," said Luxemburgo on Wednesday.

"So I hope Woodgate has a great game, we have great expectations of him," added the former Brazil national coach.

Woodgate, 25, last played a competitive game in April 2004, in the English Premiership for Newcastle against Chelsea, before a succession of problems with his left thigh.

"If Wanderley Luxemburgo and Real Madrid need me, then I am ready," said Woodgate on Tuesday.

"It is what I am working to do here and I feel very good."

Luxemburgo may find Woodgate's height of 1.88-metres comes in handy because six of the eight goals conceded by Real this season, in both the Spanish first division and the Champions League, have come from set-pieces.