Beckham begins Arsenal training

Beckham, 32, asked Gunners manager Arsene Wenger for permission to train with the club so that he can keep fit during the American close season.

The former Manchester United star hopes to impress new England coach Fabio Capello ahead of the friendly with Switzerland on 6 February.

Beckham is currently playing Major League Soccer for LA Galaxy.

"He is working to be fit before moving back to Los Angeles in February, so now, in January, we are giving him assistance with his fitness," said Wenger.

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The former Real Madrid midfielder will mainly train with Arsenal's reserves over the next month and will only join up with the first team occasionally when they are short of players.

He is expected to return to LA Galaxy in mid-February in time for their pre-season friendlies ahead of the MLS season, which starts in late March.

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