Madrid let rib at Sven

Real Madrid are furious David Beckham played through the pain barrier to save Sven Goran Eriksson’s neck.

Becks, 29, returned to Spain yesterday nursing a badly-bruised rib after his gutsy display in England’s 2-1 win in Poland.

The England skipper suffered the knock during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Austria.

But Beckham ignored the injury to lead his country when under-fire boss Eriksson needed him most.

Now Real’s doctors are racing to patch him up in time for tomorrow’s La Liga clash with Numancia.

An insider said: "It’s no surprise Beckham was willing to sacrifice himself for his country and for his manager."

"But it is not fair that he was made to do so and that Real Madrid could suffer as a result."

"He was clearly injured during the game but Eriksson did not take Beckham off until the very end."

"Clubs pay the players’ wages but too often they return from international duty injured."