ALEXI LALAS, the general manager of LA Galaxy, expects David Beckham to make himself available for his team’s vital derby game against Chivas USA next month at the Home Depot Center, less than 30 hours after England play Germany in a friendly at Wembley stadium.

Recalled by England coach Steve McClaren for last month’s friendly with Brazil and a Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia, Beckham hopes to win his 97th cap for his country in the game against Germany on August 22. But in a clear statement about his new employers’ requirements, which could jeopardise Beckham’s ambition to reach 100 caps, Lalas insisted that he will have to show his commitment to Galaxy by returning to Los Angeles on the first available flight out of London.

“We’ll sit down and discuss it but David’s been incredibly positive and supportive in saying that he will make every effort to get back to his primary responsibility, which is playing for the Galaxy,” said Lalas. “If he plays a game on Wednesday [in London] and takes the first flight out, because of the time change he will make up time and could conceivably be here [to play on Thursday].”

Lalas emphasised that the midfielder’s physical well-being will be paramount. “He is not a robot, he is a human being and we want to make sure that he is rejuvenated and healthy whenever he goes on the field,” he acknowledged.

Beckham has yet to prove his fitness ahead of his anticipated debut in a friendly against Chelsea on Saturday. The ankle injury he sustained against Estonia on June 6 is still troubling him and will require treatment this week, so a sell-out crowd of 27,000 could be disappointed if Beckham does not heal.

Lalas also expressed fear that there may be players in MLS who will physically target Beckham in an attempt to make a name for themselves. “I just hope that nobody feels it’s appropriate to try to make a name for themselves by coming in, cleats [studs] up, at David’s throat,” he said.

England also play Russia on September 12 in a Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley, the day before another game between Galaxy and Chivas. The qualifier against Israel will be played four days earlier at Wembley on the same day as a Galaxy home game against Colorado Rapids.

Beckham’s schedule

David Beckham could play eight games before England face Germany at Wembley in a friendly on August 22. That’s when it gets tricky. LA Galaxy play Chivas USA the next day, necessitating a quick dash back from London. It gets more complicated as England play their next four qualifying games either on the same day or a day before Galaxy matches

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