David Beckham likely will miss another game, Galaxy coach says

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Sounds like David Beckham will miss his second consecutive game when the Galaxy visits the San Jose Earthquakes this weekend.

Beckham rode the bench during the Galaxy’s 3-1 victory at Colorado on Saturday. Afterward, Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena cited back spasms as the cause. After Tuesday’s practice, Arena said those spasms were still plaguing the midfielder.

“I would think David is unlikely to play this week,” Arena told Mlssocer.com.

Beckham is listed as questionable in this week’s injury report.

“This thing came up all of the sudden, at the end of last week,” Arena said. “We made a decision and we have to be smart about it and did that.”

The Galaxy has passed the midpoint of its 34-game season, and sits atop the Western Conference standings by six points. Beckham has now missed four of the team’s 18 games this season, though this is his first absence due to injury. Arena said above all else, caution will be used with Beckham, to ensure he can return healthy for the conclusion of the season.

“That will continue to be our strategy, to bring him back when he’s ready to play,” Arena said. “If that takes another week, it takes another week.”

Forward Landon Donovan remains on international duty with the United States advancing to the Gold Cup semifinals. The U.S. will face Panama Wednesday.

Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts returns to the team this week. He had missed the last three Galaxy games thanks to Jamaican international duty.

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-- Douglas Farmer