Premiership: Crozier optimistic over Beckham's World Cup dreams

David Beckham's foot injury may keep him out for only six weeks, according to FA chief executive Adam Crozier.

That would give Beckham every chance of regaining fitness in time for England's first World Cup match against Sweden - on June 2.

The England skipper broke the second metatarsal bone in his left foot after a two-footed lunge by Pedro Duscher in their Champions League clash.

Crozier revealed he had spoken to Manchester United about the injury, and was told six weeks, rather than the initial eight, was the estimated recovery time.

Crozier said: "I have spoken to Manchester United and, though clearly it is difficult to make any definite predictions in the first 48 hours while the injury settles down, it is now looking more like six weeks that David will be out - which is a lot more hopeful.

"Obviously the ultimate decision as to whether David goes or not is up to Sven (Goran Eriksson), but I'm optimistic that he can still play a role at the World Cup."

United's view would concur with that of an orthopaedic expert, who said fractures of the second metatarsal bone would not be as serious as injuries to the fifth or outer metatarsal.

Professor Angus Wallace, professor of orthopaedic and accident surgery at the University of Nottingham, said: "Metatarsal fractures are common. They usually heal within six weeks."