Football
Reuters 16y

Soccer-Robben returns to Real squad for Valencia match

MADRID, March 22 - Netherlands international Arjen
Robben has been named in the Real Madrid squad for Sunday's
league match at home to Valencia after spending three weeks out
injured.

The winger, who has been plagued by injury problems since
joining Real from Chelsea for 36 million euros ($55.66 million)
in the close season, twisted his ankle during the 3-2 win at
Recreativo Huelva at the beginning of the month.

Real will, however, be without Dutch striker Ruud van
Nistelrooy who is expected to be out for around six weeks after
undergoing surgery to deal with persistent swelling around the
right ankle.

Coach Bernd Schuster dismissed suggestions that the
31-year-old had put Euro 2008 ahead of club commitments when
deciding to opt for immediate surgery.

"We knew that he had to be operated on and it was a joint
decision," Schuster told a news conference on Saturday.

"When we talked to the player his only concern was how many
matches he would be able to play for us before the end of the
season. Euro 2008 was never an issue.

"If everything goes well he should be available for the last
four games of the season."

Real lead the table by seven points from arch-rivals
Barcelona with 10 matches left to play.
(Reporting by Simon Baskett)

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