David Beckham's return to form has taken a new twist - a bad twist of his right knee.

The Los Angeles Galaxy-bound midfielder will be sidelined for about a month after hurting a knee ligament during a Spanish League game last weekend, an injury that eliminated his chance of being recalled to England's national team for upcoming European Championship qualifiers.

The 31-year-old hurt his right knee during Real Madrid's 1-1 tie with Getafe on Sunday when his momentum following a cross took him into an advertising sign behind the goal. He limped off the field, and a scan Monday revealed the injured ligament.

"Obviously, we hope it's not a serious injury so he can get back to helping Real Madrid challenge for the title," Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas said. "We do not expect this injury to affect his arrival in Los Angeles or his debut with the Galaxy.'"

Beckham missed three games in November due to an injured left knee, which he hurt at the World Cup.

Beckham agreed in January to a five-year contract with the Galaxy worth about $27.5 million in base salary. His contract with Real Madrid ends June 30, and the Galaxy expect he will join the team in August.

Beckham was taken off in the 69th minute, 37 minutes after teammate Jose Antonio Reyes was carried off on a stretcher after hurting his left knee. Both will miss Wednesday's European Champions League game at Bayern Munich.

Famous for his bending free kicks and crosses, Beckham has 17 goals in 94 appearances for England. He was captain for 58, stepping down after England was eliminated by Portugal in last year's World Cup quarterfinals, when Beckham limped off with an Achilles' tendon injury. He has not played for England since.

His wife, Victoria, is a former member of the Spice Girls, and the pair are expected to provide a boost to MLS in attendance and television ratings.

Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello benched him from Dec. 20 until Feb. 10. When Beckham first agreed to a contract with the Galaxy, the coach said he wouldn't play for Real Madrid again, but Capello then changed his mind.

England plays at Israel on March 24 in a 2008 European Championship qualifier, and then visits Andorra four days later. The English team is tied for third place in Group E, trailing both Croatia and Russia. Only the top two nations in the group qualify.

(China Daily via AP March 7, 2007)