Soccer: Beckham injury may rule him out of Israel game

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
David Beckham is in major doubt for England's two upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers after straining knee ligaments while playing for Los Angeles Galaxy in the Super Liga final on Wednesday. Beckham left the field in the 30th minute after injuring his right knee in a fall. The injury puts the former England captain in doubt for the qualifiers against Israel on September 8, and Russia on September 12. "I'm going to have a scan tomorrow and we'll see the full extent of what it is and how long I'll be out, but at the moment, it doesn't feel great," Beckham said. "At this stage, it's hard to tell, but it doesn't feel good. With a ligament strain, it's 4-to-6 weeks. We'll have to wait and see." Insult was added to injury for Beckham as the Galaxy was beaten by Mexican club Pachuca in a penalty shootout in the inaugural Super Liga final after scores were tied 1-1 after extra time. Beckham has also been troubled by a nagging left ankle injury since joining the Galaxy from Real Madrid. "It's just gone from one thing to another thing," Beckham said. "Maybe it's time for me to just say, 'I need the rest,' and get it right and don't come back until it's right." England can ill afford absences of key players for the approaching matches, with little margin for error in qualification. With the top two teams from qualifying Group E to progress to Euro 2008, England is currently fourth (14 points) with five games to play. Croatia and Israel have 17 points - though Israel has played one additional game - and Russia is on 15. Beckham tripped over the ball while contesting possession, lay face down on the grass for a few seconds before getting up and hobbling off the field, signaling to the bench he needed to come off. "I'm devastated to have been taken out of the game when I was because I was looking forward to this game," he said. "I've been given the rest to try and get my ankle feeling better and it felt better." After coming off the pitch, Beckham made his way to a wall on the sideline, then was helped to the bench. He had his right leg taped, then buried his head in his hands. At halftime, Beckham gingerly walked across the field to the tunnel. Beckham, who rejoined his team on the bench for extra time and the shootout, limped off the field in a suit and tie. After the second-place medal was placed around his neck, Beckham immediately took it off. "I hate losing," he said.