MADRID (AFP) - Spanish giants Real Madrid played down the seriousness of midfielder David Beckham's rib injury and said that the England skipper could play this weekend.
Beckham picked up a hairline fracture six minutes from the end of England's 2-0 win over Wales at Old Trafford Saturday and had been expected to be sidelined for anything between 10 days and a month.
But Real club doctor Alfonso del Corral insisted Monday that much depends on the player's ability to cope with the pain.
"This type of injury is mainly painful and the time depends much on the capacity of the player to surpass these ailments," del Corral told Spanish daily Marca.
"It could be a question of just days," added del Corral.
Beckham will train with Real Madrid on Wednesday and it will then be decided if he is capable of playing this weekend against Real Betis.
The England captain's free-kicks have been vital for Madrid this season, with his strikes against Osasuna and Numancia securing six crucial points, as the club struggle in 10th position, seven points behind leaders Barcelona.