Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy underwent an exploratory operation on his right knee on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old was operated on by knee specialist Dr Steadman, the man who performed the same task in the year 2000, when Van Nistelrooy suffered a similar problem whilst playing for PSV Eindhoven.

Van Nistelrooy damaged the meniscus ligament of his right knee against Juventus in the Champions League three weeks ago.

Steadman performed a diagnostic arthroscopy in the town of Vail, Colorado. The results of the operation will decide whether the Dutch striker needs further surgery or whether his injury can be cured without invasive treatment.

If no further surgery, the Dutch could recover by the start of 2009, but if he needs an operation that recovery could be extended by several months.

"I hope this injury only keeps me out of action for a few months," van Nistelrooy told Spanish TV station Cuatro on Wednesday.

(Xinhua News Agency November 13, 2008)