Sat Jul 5 20:39:50 2008

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Ronaldo set for ankle surgery

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Manchester, England (Sports Network) - Manchester United could begin the new season without Cristiano Ronaldo, but only because the unsettled winger reportedly requires ankle surgery.

Ronaldo, 23, has been linked with a world record transfer fee switch to Real Madrid throughout the summer despite United insisting the Portugal international is not for sale.

Real's public pursuit of last season's 42-goal top-scorer appears to have eased since the end of the European Championship which has led to suggestions that the former Sporting Lisbon starlet could yet remain at Old Trafford.

But Ronaldo now seems certain to miss the opening weeks of the season with reports suggesting he will go under the surgeon's knife to cure a long-running problem.

The surgery is expected to take place next week and would result in Ronaldo missing the club's pre-season training programme with a six-week rehabilitation period.

On Thursday, United medical staff met with the player and representatives from the Portugal national side to discuss the injury.

Ronaldo was troubled by a problem with his right ankle during a disappointing Euro 2008.

A statement from the Old Trafford club confirmed: "Manchester United's medical staff met with the medical team from the Portuguese FA and Cristiano Ronaldo in Lisbon regarding the ongoing treatment of his injured right ankle.

"As a result, further specialist advice is being sought and an announcement will be made on any action in due course."

Meanwhile, United have reiterated their stance that Ronaldo is not for sale with a club source describing a possible 70 million Euro move to Real Madrid as 'utter nonsense and totally laughable'. (Courtesy of sportbox.tv)