Madrid’s show of support for injured Watmore

SUNDERLAND striker Duncan Watmore has received a letter of support from Real Madrid as he fights his way back from a second serious knee injury. The 23-year-old has been boosted as he sets out on the long haul to regain his fitness by the best wishes in a letter signed by Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations, Emilio Butragueno. It said: ‘Dear Duncan, On behalf of our president, Florentino Perez, and those who work for Real Madrid, we would like to wish you a smooth and speedy recovery from your knee injury.’ Watmore’s father Ian tweeted a picture (right) of the letter , adding: ‘Duncan went to rehab today to find this letter waiting for him. How classy is that from @realmadrid? I now hope they win the Champions League again!’ Watmore is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines with cruciate ligament damage just weeks after being out for 10 months out with a similar problem. He returned to action against Preston in September but his comeback lasted just six games before he was injured again in the 2-2 Championship game with Millwall on November 18.