Madrid, March 19 (IANS): Real Madrid Wednesday confirmed that young striker Jese Rodriguez will miss the rest of the season after damaging the cruciate ligament of his right knee during his side's 3-1 second-leg win in the Champions League over Schalke 04.

The game Tuesday night was never really going to be much of a contest given that Madrid had won the first leg 6-1 in Germany three weeks ago and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti used the occasion to give young players such as Jese valuable match time, reports Xinhua.

Jese had to be carried off the pitch after just two minutes, receiving a heavy challenge and had to be taken to hospital for tests.

Real Madrid issued a press communique early Wednesday confirming the worst fears of the club and the player.

"Following the examination and the image tests carried out, Jese Rodriguez has been diagnosed with a total break in the cruciate ligament of his right knee," confirmed the club.

That means Jese will need an operation and will be out of action for at least six months, meaning he will miss the rest of this season and quite probably the opening matches of the 2014-2015 season.

Jese has impressed for Real Madrid this season and a run of three goals in three matches even began talk of him making a late challenge for the Spanish national side for this summer's World Cup, but now he will be spending the summer recovering from his injury.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had words for the youngster after the game, and expressed his confidence he would make a full recovery.

"The same thing happened to me when I was his age, he will be important again," said Ancelotti.