Madrid- Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his right knee in the United States, the club said Thursday.
The loss of the Dutch striker is a further blow to the club's embattled German coach Bernd Schuster.
Van Nistelrooy, 32, was treated by knee specialist Richard Steadman, who had already operated on the striker's right knee in 2000.
He will be out of action for between six to nine months, depending on how the knee recovers, the club said.