Real Madrid expected David Beckham to train with the team yesterday instead of attending movie star Tom Cruise's wedding.
Beckham, who was ruled out of yesterday's league game at Racing Santander with a left knee injury, received Madrid's permission to visit Cruise and his fiancee Katie Holmes in Italy on Friday.
However, club rules insist the 31-year-old midfielder return and work on his fitness before attending the match at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, sports daily AS said.
"He's injured, he hasn't recovered and he has to train," Madrid coach Fabio Capello was quoted as saying.
Asked whether he was aware that Beckham would miss the wedding, Capello seemed unconcerned. "That's not my problem."
Speculation is mounting that Beckham's three and a half year stay with Madrid will end during the January transfer window.
Britain's newspapers yesterday said the wedding incident increased the chances of Beckham leaving the club.
The 31-year-old midfielder, whose contract ends in June, is stalling on Madrid's offer of a new deal due to his lack of first-team opportunities.
Beckham, who has only started three games this season, will be free to negotiate with other clubs if he hasn't renewed by January
Speculation is rife that he could return to the English Premier League or move to a Major League Soccer club in the US. MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy is among the clubs reportedly interested.
MLS recently changed its rules on salary caps, which would allow the former England captain to sign a lucrative deal. Beckham has a soccer academy in Los Angeles.
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