Mask to aid Metzelder return

Christoph Metzelder will return to action with Real Madrid CF in the new year wearing a protective mask after undergoing surgery on his broken nose.

Third time
The German international defender picked up the injury following a clash with Raúl Albiol during Madrid's 1-0 weekend win against Valencia CF. Metzelder – who has made four Liga appearances this season – has been advised to play in the mask for the next four weeks, giving him plenty of time to recover before the Spanish club take on Liverpool FC in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League in late February. Metzelder, who will fly home to Germany on Tuesday, said he had twice broken his nose during his spell at BV Borussia Dortmund and had played with a face mask to protect it.