Beckham cracks his rib

David Beckham's cracked rib is set to sideline him for up to six weeks and the England captain will be on his way to worried Real Madrid on Monday rather than to next week's World Cup game in Azerbaijan.

With Beckham both injured and suspended for the game in Baku, there's no point in his traveling with the team. Now his bosses in Madrid will be anxious to take a look at the injury he suffered in England's 2-0 victory over Wales.

Real Madrid announced on its Web site on Sunday the player had met Luis Serratosa, of the club's medical team, and it was hoped he could take part in light training.

Serratosa examined the star midfielder's injury and had also been in touch with the England medical team although it was not clear to what extent he could take part in training sessions.

Returning Old Trafford where he was a star for eight years with Manchester United, Beckham struck England's second goal with a sublime 25m shot that flew into the top corner of the net.

Instead walking off the field in celebration of a glorious goal in a good England performance, Beckham left the game sooner than expected clutching his ribs.

Beckham the injury when Wales defender Ben Thatcher collided with him in midfield. After treatment, he was able to carry on playing in pain and barged into Thatcher, earning him a yellow card. Because he had already picked up a yellow against Austria a month ago, it meant he was automatically suspended for the next game in Azerbaijan.

Michael Owen is set to take over the captaincy and Shaun Wright-Phillips likely will take Beckham's position in midfield.

Meanwhile, Thatcher said he did not intend to hurt Beckham and didn't think the England captain's challenge on him was malicious.

"I don't think he was out to get me, he's not that sort of person," the Manchester City defender said.

"As for my clash with Becks, we were both going for a pass, both 50-50, it was as simple as that. There was no harm meant, certainly not from me, I was just going for the ball and we collided."