Sneijder layoff confirmed

The Dutch international has damaged the internal lateral ligament but will not require surgery as had been feared.

He was carried off during Sunday's 1-0 Emirates Cup defeat by Arsenal after a challenge from Abou Diaby.

The club headed the story "good news" on their website as initial tests had raised fears of a torn cruciate ligament which could have put Sneijder out for up to six months.

Sneijder will miss the start of the Liga season and Real's opening Champions League ties. He will also miss the Netherlands' first three 2010 World Cup qualifiers in Group 9 in September and October against Macedonia, Iceland and Norway.