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Real Madrid [Images] striker Ruud van Nistelrooy [Images] will miss the rest of this season after having surgery on his right knee, the club said on Thursday.

The 32-year-old Dutchman went to the United States this week to consult surgeon Richard Steadman, who operated on the same knee in 2000 while the player was at PSV Eindhoven.

After tests and arthroscopic surgery, it was decided to operate to try to repair damage to the external meniscus, the club said on its website (htps://www.realmadrid.com).

"Taking all this into account, the estimated length of absence will be between six and nine months, depending on the clinical development," it added.