Madrid hit by Sneijder injury

The Arsenal player Theo Walcott, left, tries to elude his marker.

Real Madrid have been rocked by an injury which could rule Wesley Sneijder out for at least six months. The Dutch midfielder left the Emirates Stadium on crutches with suspected cruciate ligament damage suffered during his side's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. The loss in the Emirates Cup was not as crucial as the loss of one of their key players, who was hurt after a challenge from Abou Diaby, and the coach Bernd Schuster is hoping the prognosis today will not be as bad as first feared.

"Sneijder is not right, and we're all frightened by his injury," he said. "It's a very difficult moment for him and he's in a lot of pain. The doctor can explain it more precisely than I can, but as I said, he's not doing well and we'll lose him for some time. There is a possibility that it's his cruciate ligament. That's a tough injury: hopefully it won't come to that. "We tried to play carefully so as not to risk our players, but now we have to go home and recover our spirits, then we'll see. Arsenal are an English team and they play with intensity. Plays like this one can happen."

The Real president Ramon Calderon added: "This was the worst news we could receive. The player is very upset and was crying in the dressing room. He's an important player for us and we hope he makes a speedy recovery." Arsenal salvaged some pride in the Emirates Cup with the victory, although, with each team winning one match, it was goals scored that proved the difference and Hamburg claimed the trophy following their 3-0 success against Juventus. Emmanuel Adebayor grabbed the winner against Real from the penalty spot after Robin van Persie had been shoved by Michel Salgado. The striker is hoping it will help win over the fans, having endured some jeers in the game against Juventus. It followed speculation about his future and contract demands. Having confirmed he will stay, Adebayor said: "I'm very happy. As a footballer a lot of clubs will look for you, but this club is one of the biggest in the world, there are lots of young players and I have a big chance to have a good career at this club. "When there is a lot of speculation they (the fans) believe what they read in the newspapers. Some of the fans will love you and some will hate you, but I'm in a good position and most fans love me. For me, what happened this summer is over." His coach, Arsene Wenger, added: "I feel Adebayor felt people questioned his commitment a little bit and the best answer always is to give on the pitch. "You play well and show you are ready to fight for your shirt and your team. He does that. He is a man with character. "If you score goals people forget quickly their frustration. You have to show it with performances in this job." @Email:[e-mail]