Beckham could miss World Cup

David Beckham is expected to miss the remainder of Manchester United FC's domestic and UEFA Champions League campaigns and possibly the FIFA World Cup finals after suffering a broken bone in his foot against RC Deportivo La Coruña.

'Six to eight weeks'
Beckham, the England captain, suffered the injury after being caught by a heavy two-footed tackle by Deportivo's Aldo Duscher just 16 minutes into United's Champions League quarter-final second-leg victory over the Spaniards. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that Beckham would be out for "six to eight weeks" with the injury.

'He will be devastated'
Ferguson said: "Beckham has a broken metatarsal bone in his left foot and he will be out for six to eight weeks. It is a big blow to Manchester United. Games are about tackles and I thought the player had to go for the challenge. I think it is doubtful he will be back for the World Cup. I haven't spoken to him yet but I'm sure he will be devastated."

Late tackle last week
Beckham had taken a knock on his left ankle after a challenge by Diego Tristán in last week's first leg and only played tonight after passing a late fitness test.

Two sent off
Beckham was replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who scored twice as United won 3-2 on the night to secure a 5-2 aggregate success. Duscher was sent off in the second half after earning a second yellow for a trip on Nicky Butt and Deportivo also had Lionel Scaloni dismissed.