Beckham aims to play for Galaxy against Chelsea

LONDON --David Beckham is confident he can recover from an ankle injury in time for his debut with the Los Angeles Galaxy in a July 21 exhibition against Chelsea in California.

The England midfielder originally injured his left ankle playing for England in a European Championship qualifier June 6. The injury flared again when he played for Real Madrid in the Spanish league.

Beckham decided to have an ankle scan during a stopover in London, and it was determined he has an injured ligament. His agent, Simon Oliveira, said Wednesday the scan showed ''no long-term damage.''

''With the right rest and rehabilitation he should be training as planned when he arrives in the States,'' he added.

Beckham helped Real Madrid win the league title before leaving the Spanish club and also has regained his place on the England tea. He is to be introduced as a Galaxy player July 13 at the team's stadium in Carson, Calif.