Wed Mar 19 13:37:57 2008

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Van Nistelrooy set to have ankle operation

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Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle the club said on Wednesday.

The Dutch international has returned to the Netherlands for the procedure, although no timetable has been set for his return.

The 31-year-old Van Nistelrooy has missed his club's last four games because of swelling around the ankle joint, however his status for the upcoming EURO 2008 competition is not likely to be threatened.

His presence will certainly be missed as Real continues its quest for a second-straight La Liga crown. The team currently owns a seven-point edge on second-place Barcelona with 10 games to play.

Van Nistelrooy is second on the team with 12 goals in 20 games.