Woodgate's injury nightmare in Spain continues

The defender, who has yet to play for Real, is to undergo treatment for a recurring thigh injury in the US.

The doctor, Alfonso del Corral, told Spanish newspaper Diaro AS: "We told the club the player was arriving with a risk in the front of his thigh muscle.

"I give the technical information and transmit the real physical state of the player because that is my obligation."

Del Corral added: "I cannot say no to the club signing a player and I would never send a report saying `this lad won't play again'."

The Real doctor also praised Woodgate's attitude, adding: "He has worked splendidly over the last two months.

"We're going to do all we can do for the muscle to help it to regenerate and to scar over well.

"We knew it was an important injury and we have worked hard so that, with the correct treatment, the affected area could be cured.

"Unfortunately that has not been the case.

"We have to be cautious, because it all depends on whether or not he has an operation.

"We have a diagnosis and two or three alternatives to find a solution."

Woodgate returned to full training this week for the first time since April but limped off the practice pitch with the complaint.

"Medical staff have decided he will travel to Cleveland Clinic Foundation in the US to complete his recovery from injury," said the club's website.

"Once in the US, the most appropriate treatment will be decided upon."

However, the club said they were hopeful "Woodgate will be able to avoid undergoing surgery".

Woodgate has been hampered by a host of injury problems, which limited him to just 37 of 128 of Newcastle's games during his time at the club.

The 24-year-old, who left Newcastle to join Real for �13.4m in the summer, had been set to play for Real in a friendly match against Alcorcon on Tuesday before his latest injury setback.