Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy will be out for six weeks after injuring his left thigh in his comeback game last weekend.

The Dutch forward returned to action Sunday for the first time in 2009 since injuring cruciate ligaments in his knee while playing against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League last season.

He had been on the pitch for just five minutes, when he scored Real Madrid's fifth goal on the night in the 5-0 home win against Xerez.

Unfortunately for Van Nistelrooy, his left thigh muscle suffered in the very moment of shooting.

Tests carried out on Monday morning have confirmed the extent of the injury, which means he will not play again before November.

Van Nistelrooy has scored 36 goals in 68 Primera Liga appearances for the club.

(Xinhua News Agency September 22, 2009)