Beckham stands to miss league game

David Beckham is doubtful for Real Madrid's league game with Real Sociedad this weekend after his gashed right ankle became infected, the club said yesterday.

Madrid said on its Web site that Beckham was being treated with antibiotics, adding the four stitches in his ankle had yet to be removed. Beckham suffered the wound during Saturday's home win over Murcia in a collision with Argentine midfielder Jose Luis Acciari.

If Beckham misses Saturday's match in San Sebastian, it will be his fourth league absence since he joined Madrid from Manchester United in June.

Madrid also said Fifa World Soccer Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane had recovered from a bout of flu and was available again.

If Madrid beats Sociedad, it will be assured the unofficial title of winter champion given to the leader at the season's halfway mark.