Van Nistelrooy resumes full training after ankle injury

MADRID, Spain (AP) - Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy resumed full training Thursday, just over a month after undergoing a right ankle operation.

Madrid said Van Nistelrooy will not be considered for Sunday's Spanish league game against Athletic Bilbao, but he could return at Osasuna the following week when his team could have already clinched the title.

The 31-year-old Dutchman was injured during Madrid's 1-0 defeat against Getafe on Feb. 24. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on March 19.

Van Nistelrooy has scored 12 goals in 21 league games this season. Last season, his first since moving from Manchester United, he was the league's top scorer with 25 goals in 37 games.

Madrid will win its second straight league title if it beats Bilbao and its closest pursuers - Villarreal and FC Barcelona - fail to win their games this weekend.

Villarreal plays at Real Betis on Sunday, while Barcelona visits Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.

Madrid has 72 points, 10 more than Villarreal and 11 ahead of Barcelona.