Sneijder fears for Real

Sneijder: Injury fears

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Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious injury against Arsenal.

The Dutchman was stretchered off just past the hour mark in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Emirates Cup.

Sneijder was injured following a heavy challenge by Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby and it is feared the classy playmaker may have suffered a cruciate knee ligament problem.

Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster is unsure about the full extent of the injury, but expects to be without the former Ajax ace for a considerable period.

"We're really shocked by the injury and right now it's very difficult," Schuster said. "He's in a lot of pain.

"They've got to do a lot of tests and right now it doesn't look good.

"We're going to lose him for a little bit."

Real president Ramon Calderon admitted the injury was a major blow to the player and club.

"It's serious and it's the worst news we could get. He has, at the very least, torn his internal ligament," Calderon told Spanish news agency Efe.

"He is very upset, crying because it is a serious problem and very painful."

Sneijder is set to undergo scans on the injury on Monday to find out the full extent of the injury.

"Initial tests show serious damage to his knee ligaments, but the player will undergo complementary exams including an MRI on Monday to determine the full extent of the injury," a club statement read.