Beckham, Samuel set for Real return

David Beckham and Argentine defender Walter Samuel will return to the Real Madrid squad for Sunday's league game against Albacete, the club said on Saturday.

Beckham has not played since fracturing his ribs playing for England in a World Cup qualifier against Wales last month.

Argentine defender Walter Samuel has been out for more than two weeks after damaging the cartilage in his right knee in a King's Cup victory over third division Leganes.

The duo are now training alongside their team mates, the club's website reported.

Real hope to have Beckham at peak fitness for the key Primera Liga match against arch-rivals and league leaders Barcelona at the end of next week. The Madrid club are second in the table, seven points behind.