Beckham close to return

David Beckham returned to squad training with Real Madrid today for the first time since suffering a knee injury last month.

However, he is not yet ready for a return to first-team action and will sit out tomorrow’s La Liga fixture against Osasuna at the Bernabeu.

Beckham has been sidelined since damaging the internal lateral ligament in his right knee against Getafe at the start of March.

Having spent most of his time recovering in the gym, the former England captain has been able to step up his rehabilitation this week.

On Tuesday he worked out under the guidance of Madrid’s physical trainer Jose Luis San Martin at the club’s Valdebebas training ground pitches, and this morning he was able train alongside his team-mates.

Tomorrow’s home match with Osasuna has come too soon for Beckham to return, but the 31-year-old looks on course to be involved in next weekend’s trip to Racing Santander.

The Primera Liga title is Madrid’s last chance of silverware this season, and they are currently third in the table, five points behind leaders Barcelona with 10 games left to play.

Beckham, who has failed to win a major honour with Madrid since joining the Spanish giants in 2003, will be leaving the club in the summer to take up a five-year contract MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy.