Madrid resigned to losing Raúl

Medical tests
Tests this morning confirmed that the Spanish international striker had damaged his kneecap and the surrounding ligaments. Due to the severity of the injury, Raúl is now to consult specialists to decide on the best course of action for his rehabilitation.

Awkward movement
Raúl had to leave the pitch after 58 minutes of Madrid's 3-0 home defeat by FC Barcelona on Saturday after jarring his knee while going to kick a ball. Doctors are yet to confirm how long the 28-year-old will be sidelined for, but Madrid are expecting a long lay-off.

Hernández verdict
Club doctor Juan Carlos Hernández said: "If it's only the kneecap which is affected, then he'll be recovering for a month or two. But if the ripped ligaments turn out to be more serious, we could be talking much longer. Raúl has bow legs and that is an important factor. With a normal knee the situation would be much clearer but in his case it complicates the kneecap injury, although the fact he has played top-level football for so long without having a serious injury is an advantage."