Champions League soccer: Beckham fitness boost for United

England captain David Beckham gave Manchester United a boost today when he returned to training ahead of the Champions League game against Nantes on Wednesday.

Beckham’s fitness had caused concern at Old Trafford after he aggravated an ankle injury during England’s 1-1 draw against Holland last week.

However it now looks as though he will be ready for the game in France where United resume their European campaign.

French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is also on the mend and will step back between the posts after recovering from the back problem which kept him out of the national squad.

Argentinian star Juan Sebastian Veron is another player keen to return after missing three of the last four games as he recovered from a slight knee injury.

The £28m signing missed the FA Cup defeat at Middlesbrough and the Barclaycard Premiership win over Bolton and Sunderland. He returned as a substitute for the game at Charlton nine days ago.

England midfielder Paul Scholes is having treatment for a thigh injury and if he fails to make it Nicky Butt is his probable replacement.

Latest signing Diego Forlan is likely to be on the substitutes’ bench.

United go into the match aiming to consolidate their position at the top of the group after picking up four points from two games.

Nantes are bottom of their Champions League group table and are struggling on the domestic front as well, losing 1-0 to Lille yesterday.