Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to playing ground after a long-time knee injury which sidelined him for almost nine months.

The Dutchman came on with 15 minutes left of the club's 4-0 win over Norwegian side Rosenborg in a pre-season friendly.

The 33-year-old had surgery in the United States to repair his damaged right knee. Spanish media have speculated he may be sold after Real's spending spree this season.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2009)