Beckham targets Chelsea match for Galaxy debut

David Beckham expects to make his debut for the Los Angeles Galaxy on July 21 in an exhibition match with FA Cup holders Chelsea after recovering from an ankle injury, according to his manager.

The 32-year-old midfielder twisted his ankle while playing for England against Estonia in a Euro 2008 qualifying match a month ago and aggravated it in his final appearance for Real Madrid 11 days later.

Beckham, who is scheduled to fly into Los Angeles on July 12 before his official introduction as a Galaxy player the following day, had an ankle scan at the weekend which revealed no long-term damage.

"With the right rest and rehabilitation, he should be able to start training with the Galaxy as planned on Monday, July 16," Beckham's publicist Simon Oliveira told Reuters.

Beckham, who joins Major League Soccer (MLS) side Galaxy from Spanish giants Real Madrid on a five-year deal worth $250 million, faces a busy schedule for the rest of this year.

After his debut against Chelsea at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, he is likely to play for the Galaxy later this month in the Superliga, a new tournament featuring four MLS teams and four Mexican first division clubs.

Beckham's first MLS regular season match is expected to come against Toronto FC in Toronto on August 5.

Apart from his Galaxy commitments, he is back in favour with England coach Steve McClaren and is almost certain to play in England's friendly against Germany at Wembley on Aug. 22 and also in their last five qualifying games for Euro 2008.

Galaxy club president Alexi Lalas has said he has no problem if Beckham misses several Galaxy matches because of international commitments.

"It's not only an honour for him but also an honour for the Galaxy that we can say one of our players is performing so well for a team like England," Lalas told Reuters.

"If his form continues and David is called up in the future, I will drive him to the airport myself."