Woodgate included in Real squad

Woodgate makes Real debut

Jonathan Woodgate is a surprise inclusion in Real Madrid's 20-man squad for their opening Primera Liga fixture in Cadiz on Sunday.

It is the first time the 25-year-old England defender has been included for a competitive fixture since his £13.4m move from Newcastle a year ago.

He has suffered with a thigh injury, but has completed practice matches.

Woodgate told Spanish newspaper Marca: "I still have to show everything. I have still not done anything yet."

He added: "It is important that I have made my debut in the Bernabeu, but I have to keep on working so I can play the full 90 minutes and to help the team achieve its objectives."

Eight days ago he played in a 45-minute practice game against a Madrid junior team, while on Tuesday he made an emotional five-minute debut in The Bernabeu stadium as Madrid played a friendly against an MLS All-Star XI.

Less than 24 hours later, Woodgate completed another practice match with no further injury problems and the defender is now on the verge of making his long-overdue Primera Liga debut.

Meanwhile England striker Michael Owen has also been included in Luxemburgo's squad despite the uncertainty surrounding his future with Real Madrid.

However, with Julio Cesar Baptista having shaken off a muscle problem, and Raul likely to partner Ronaldo in the Madrid attack, the best Owen can hope for is a place on the bench.