Real Madrid midfielder and future Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham suffered an injury to his right knee during his current club's La Liga match vs. Getafe over the weekend. However, tests on the 31-year-old's knee have shown that the ligament injury is not as serious as was first thought and he will be sidelined for only around four weeks.
The former England captain left the field during Real's 1-1 draw with Getafe in the 69th minute. The injury occurred a few minutes earlier when he crashed into the advertising boards behind the goal, his momentum carrying him off the field as he attempted to make a cross. While the injury could dash Beckham's hopes of making a return to the England team for European Championship qualifying matches this month, it is not expected to affect his move to Major League Soccer this summer.
"We are aware of the injury sustained by David Beckham on Sunday evening. Any information regarding his status will come from his current club, Real Madrid," said Galaxy president and general manager Alexi Lalas in a statement issued by the club Monday. "Obviously, we hope it's not a serious injury so he can get back to helping Real Madrid challenge for the title. We do not expect this injury to affect his arrival in Los Angeles or his debut with the Galaxy."
Beckham's contract with Real Madrid expires on June 30, after which time he will be free to join the Galaxy. Los Angeles secured Beckham's services for five years in a deal that was announced in January. He was the first player signed under the league's new designated player rule, which allows teams the opportunity to sign players that do not count towards the club's salary budget.
Real Madrid currently sit in fourth place in La Liga, six points behind leaders Sevilla and five points behind their bitter rivals Barcelona. Madrid will take on Bayern Munich in Germany on Wednesday in the second leg of their round-of-16 clash in the UEFA Champions' League before a La Liga showdown with Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Saturday.
Beckham has made 94 career appearances for England, but he resigned his captaincy following their elimination from the 2006 World Cup in a quarterfinal loss to Portugal. He has yet to be called into an England camp since coach Steve McClaren assumed control of the side following last summer's tournament in Germany.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
