Soccer-Beckham out for four to six weeks with ligament strain

MADRID, Mar 5 (Reuters) David Beckham will be sidelined for at least a month of his remaining time at Real Madrid after damaging the lateral ligament in his right knee.

A spokesman for Beckham said the former England captain would be out for between four and six weeks after suffering a strain to the ligament during yesterday's 1-1 draw against Getafe at the Bernabeu.

Beckham will not only miss the return leg of Real's Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich, but also this Saturday's clash against arch-rivals Barcelona at the Nou Camp as well as at least another four Primera Liga games.

If Real manage to beat Bayern the 31-year-old could be available for the return leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

Beckham is leaving Real at the end of the season after agreeing to sign a five-year-deal with MLS side LA Galaxy worth 0 million.

REUTERS SP KN2351