Beckham Listed as Day-to-Day

For American Soccer Daily

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The Los Angeles Galaxy are holding out hope that David Beckham’s ankle will be healed enough for him to take some part in Saturday’s game against Chelsea FC.

Long-touted as Beckham’s debut with the club, ESPN is in the midst of an advertising blitz for the friendly, part of the “World Series of Football.” The network has plans for nearly 20 cameras to cover the on-field action, including the ‘Beck-Cam,’ which will stay trained on the England superstar for the entirety of the match. Unfortunately, it may be focused at the Galaxy bench for most of the evening, as Beckham is listed as day-to-day and his participation is in doubt.

Following his arrival in the United States, Beckham’s injured left ankle experienced some unexpected swelling, limiting him to light exercises while the rest of the team trained nearby. Though the ankle has responded well to extensive treatment in the past week, his role in Saturday’s game will likely be limited.

“There is always a possibility he won’t play because of his injury but we’re never going to force him to play,” Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop told Reuters. “If he’s ready to play, he’ll play. We’re just waiting to see how he responds.”

The Galaxy must now balance the midfielder’s fitness with the importance of Saturday’s game - not only to the club, but to fans, sponsors and the league alike. They don’t want to rush him back too soon for fear of risking a greater injury, but can’t afford to be embarrassed again, following their 3-0 drubbing by Tigres on Tuesday – this time, the eyes of the world will be fixed on the Home Depot Center.

Beckham himself has remained optimistic over his fitness, telling reporters after his arrival press conference, “There’s still a bit of work to do. I’ll be getting that work done by massaging and treatment and hopefully a bit of running, and we’ll take it from there. It should be alright for the game against Chelsea.”

Even as the league holds its collective breath over Beckham’s status, #23 will continue his scheduled publicity tour when he boards a plane to Denver this afternoon to attend the MLS All-Star Game. After taking part in the festivities, he is expected to return to Los Angeles on Friday morning for his final training session before the Chelsea match.