The prolific Dutchman, who was the leading scorer in La Liga last season as Madrid won the title, has been sidelined since the middle of March after undergoing surgery on his right ankle.

Despite his return to the training pitch though, Van Nistelrooy will not be part of the Madrid squad for this weekend's home match with Athletic Bilbao - a game that could see Bernd Schuster's side crowned champions if other results go their way.

Instead, the 31-year-old Holland international could be available for next week's trip to Osasuna, or possibly the match after that, wheN Madrid welcome arch-rivals Barcelona to the Bernabeu.

Three Madrid players were absent from Thursday's training session, with Christoph Metzelder, Guti and Raul all staying in the gym.