Injury hits Beckham England hopes

Beckham had been tipped for an international recall

David Beckham's hopes of being recalled by England to face Israel and Andorra this month are over after he was ruled out for four weeks with a knee injury.

The 31-year-old midfielder was hurt playing for Real Madrid against Getafe in the Spanish League on Sunday.

Beckham hurt his right knee after mis-hitting a cross and running into advertising hoardings behind the goal.

He will also miss a return to Old Trafford on 13 March when he was set to play for a European All-Star XI.

Beckham will also miss Real's crucial match against Barcelona next weekend - and possibly a further three league games.

Tests at Real's training ground confirmed that Beckham had damaged the internal lateral ligament in his knee.

606: DEBATE Your reaction to David Beckham's injury

"The Briton is suffering from a second-degree sprain of the internal lateral ligament of his right knee," said a Madrid statement.

Beckham has not played for England since the 2006 World Cup finals and was also left out by Real after agreeing to join Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer but has since worked his way back into coach Fabio Capello's plans.

England coach Steve McClaren has recently admitted that Beckham's fine form for Real Madrid has caused him "a problem", especially as England have struggled in their last few games.

McClaren was expected to watch Beckham in Wednesday's Champions League game against Bayern Munich.

Despite this news, he is still expected to attend the match so he can take a look at Bayern's England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who McClaren has said he sees as a crucial member of his squad.