Real defender Woodgate back at Leeds for treatment

LONDON, Apr 25 (Reuters) Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate is having treatment at former club Leeds United in a bid to recover from a persistent thigh injury that has dogged his season.

''Jonathan will be with us for a few weeks,'' said a Leeds spokesman today.

The 26-year-old, who is unlikely to be selected for England's World Cup squad, has played only nine league games this season following his return from an 18-month lay-off because of a torn thigh muscle.

Woodgate had been on the verge of returning to the England squad in November before suffering a hamstring injury during a league match against Real Zaragoza.

The centre back moved from Newcastle United to Real for close to 20 million euros (24.84 million dollars) in 2004. He joined Newcastle from Leeds in January 2003.

Reuters PDS DB2011