Soccer: Woodgate to start comeback with Real Madrid youngsters

MADRID - Real Madrid soccer defender Jonathan Woodgate will have to start his comeback from a 16-month injury lay-off by playing alongside 14-year-old boys from the club's youth team set-up, says coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

Woodgate took part in the club's pre-season training camp in Austria but although he is reported to be nearing full fitness Luxemburgo says the England centre back was still a long way from making his full Real Madrid debut.

"Woody will have to begin by playing alongside boys of 14 and 15-years-old who are weaker and not as tough," the Brazilian coach said.

"Then he can go on to play alongside the 16 and 17-year-olds and then with the reserves in the second division.

"He has to regain his confidence little by little and forget the injury he has suffered. He's not played for 14 or 15 months and that's a long time to be out of action."

Woodgate tore a thigh muscle while playing for Newcastle United against Chelsea in April 2004 and has not played a competitive game since.

He joined Real last August for around 20 million euros ($35.8 million) but suffered a recurrence of the injury shortly before he was due to make his comeback in October.

- REUTERS