Rib Injury From Wales Game
Monday, October 11, 2004

England captain David Beckham will return to Real Madrid on Wednesday and start light training despite cracking a rib against Wales.

It was initially thought Beckham could be sidelined for up to six weeks.

"We don't want to rush since we want the rib to heal perfectly," Real doctor Luis Serratosa told the club's website.

"His return to the playing field depends on how he progresses in the coming days and on the pain, as this type of injury is very uncomfortable."

Serratosa added: "On Wednesday, David Beckham will be in Madrid and will be able to return to light training in the gym.

"The player is very keen to put himself at the coach's disposal."

A Football Association spokesman said on Saturday: "An initial X-ray did not detect it but a second showed a hairline fracture."

The England skipper, who was hurt in a challenge with Ben Thatcher, would have missed Wednesday's game in Azerbaijan anyway after picking up a yellow card.

His Real Madrid team-mate Michael Owen is set to take over as captain in Baku.

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