Marcelo targets quick recovery

Real Madrid defender Marcelo has vowed to do his utmost to return to full match fitness again as soon as possible.

The left-back sustained a fractured foot while away on international duty with Brazil, and is expected to be sidelined for up to three months due to the injury.

“I hope this will be the first and the last time I pick up a serious injury. I would not wish this on anyone,” Marcelo told the Real Madrid website.

“I will do everything I can to return quickly and be with the team again. I want to make a full recovery so that I can bring more joy to the fans.

“These things can happen during training or in a match and now what I have to do is do things properly so that I can get back on the team as soon as possible.

“If I keep my head up and don’t lose heart, my team-mates and my family will help to me to get through this.”

The 24-year-old will go under the knife in Amsterdam on Friday, and was particularly grateful to the hundreds of well-wishers.

“I am so happy to get all these messages supporting me from the fans,” Marcelo said.

“I had no idea so many people cared so much about me and I am really grateful to everyone.

“I want to make a full recovery so that I can bring more joy to the fans.

“I am going to do everything properly to return to play with the team.”

Real Madrid sit fifth on the La Liga table, eight points behind leaders Barcelona.