Beckham hopeful of making Barcelona game

Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham is hopeful of shaking off a thigh strain in time to face Barcelona in this weekend's top-of-the-table Primera Liga match at the Bernabeu.

"I did a good training session on my own because I'm still not 100 percent fit," the England captain was quoted as saying on Real Madrid's website on Tuesday.

"I feel better although I'm still feeling some pain, but I hope that disappears during the week because I don't want to miss the game against Barcelona."

Beckham strained a muscle in his left thigh during England's 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier at St James' Park last Wednesday.

"My leg is less swollen and I feel more comfortable," he said. "I will train on my own tomorrow and then decide with the doctors and coaching staff when I can join up with the rest of the squad."

Real trail Barcelona by nine points in the standings with eight matches left.