Beckham sets comeback date

David Beckham is targeting a return from injury next week in the hope that he can be fully fit in time for England’s forthcoming friendly against Spain.

The England captain calculates that if he can be back in action for Real Madrid in eight days’ time he ought to have good prospects of leading his country at the Bernabeu on November 17.

Beckham broke his rib in England’s World Cup qualifying win over Wales last month – an injury which he reports has been both very painful and frustrating.

He told Radio 5 Live: “I’m aiming to play against Albacete (in Spain’s Primera Liga) on the Sunday before the England friendly.”