Status of Beckham unknown for Madrid

Jun 7, 2007 - 1:13 PM MADRID (Ticker) - David Beckham is facing a race against time to be healthy for Real Madrid's important Primera Liga match with Real Zaragoza this weekend after picking up an ankle injury with the English national team.

The midfielder appeared to turn his ankle during the first half of England's 3-0 win over Estonia Wednesday night, and was substituted in the 68th minute before immediately undergoing treatment on the problem area.

Madrid announced on its medical bulletin Thursday that Beckham had strained the internal lateral ligament in his left ankle, and that the injury would be monitored over the next 24-48 hours while he was undergoing medical treatment and physiotherapy.

The 32-year-old has not yet been ruled out of Saturday evening's match at Zaragoza, but his participation must now be a concern for Madrid coach Fabio Capello.

Beckham has been in scintillating form for Madrid recently, and has helped the club move to within striking distance of its first league title since 2003 - and the former England captain's first piece of major silverware since joining the Spanish giants.

With two games remaining, Madrid is level with Barcelona at 72 points at the top of the Primera Liga standings, but Capello's side holds the upper hand due to its better head-to-head record against the Catalan outfit this season.

The fifth-placed Zaragoza has lost just twice in 18 league games at its La Romareda stadium this season.