Christmas lay-off for Helguera

Central defender Iván Helguera will miss Real Madrid CF's first three matches of 2006 after spraining a muscle in his right thigh.

Sprained muscle
The Spanish international picked up the injury during last night's 2-1 home Primera División defeat by Real Racing Club Santander. A scan this morning revealed that he had sprained a muscle in his thigh and he was told not to train for three weeks.

Domestic fixtures
Helguera will therefore sit out the Primera División games against Villarreal CF and Sevilla FC as well as the Spanish Cup match against Athlétic Club de Bilbao. However, he is sure to have recovered in time for Madrid's UEFA Champions League knockout tie against Arsenal FC.