Football story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:19:00 GMT



Real Madrid midfielder Ruben De la Red could be facing the end of his career as doctors struggle to diagnose a problem which caused him to collapse during a game last season.The 24-year-old lost consciousness during a Copa del Rey clash at Real Union last October and has not played since, undergoing a number of medical tests which have so far failed to provide a definitive diagnosis.



A statement from the Spanish giants read: "Real Madrid announces that Ruben de la Red will not rejoin the first-team squad following the rigorous medical exams he has undergone over the last several months.




"Although the medical reports discourage De la Red from playing sports, Real Madrid will continue to search for solutions and has offered the player its assistance both personally and professionally speaking."




Spain international De la Red made his name during a season-long loan spell with Getafe in 2007-08, but saw his hopes of an illustrious future at the Bernabeu dashed a matter of months later.