Los Angeles: David Beckham has been made available to play in the Los Angeles Galaxy's home MLS game against Columbus on Saturday after being sidelined for almost six months with an Achilles' tendon injury.
Beckham tore his left tendon on March 14 while playing on loan with AC Milan, undergoing surgery two days later on an injury that prevented him from playing in the World Cup.
After traveling with the English national team in South Africa, Beckham returned to practice with the Galaxy on Aug. 10, gradually increasing his training regimen over the past four weeks.
He played 45 minutes in a practice match on Wednesday (September 8) and says he is excited to get back on the competitive pitch.
"You know I've had certain challenges throughout my career and obviously injuries to any athlete always are a big thing. Especially obviously one as serious as rupturing your achilles. You know it's a serious one. I've looked after myself. I've been positive the whole six months - almost six months. I'm excited. I'm excited about getting back", said Beckham.
After leading Los Angeles to the MLS Cup final last November, Beckham hasn't played this season for the Galaxy, who still lead the Western Conference with 44 points and field US internationals Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle.
"You know I've got a good change of changing and being on the bench. Whether I play in the game, I don't know. But I think the biggest thing is I've been taken off the list now so I'm back in with the squad, back in with the team. And hopefully that's a boost for obviously the team as well because we need to start winning games again and Saturday is a big game. So fingers crossed I can play some part in it", Beckham said.
Beckham has seven goals and 15 assists in 41 career regular-season games with Los Angeles. He played just 11 games for the Galaxy last year after spending the first half of the season with AC Milan. AP
