Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is to have his tonsils removed after medication failed to cure a recurrent problem.
"When I realised how serious it was I had to sit down and drink a glass of water because it was a huge shock," the Dutchman told the club's website (www.realmadrid.com) on Tuesday.
The operation will take place on Wednesday.
Real, who are second in La Liga, play their last game before the two-week winter break at home to Real Zaragoza on Sunday.
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