BEIJING, Aug. 31 (Xinhuanet) -- A sprained right knee suffered from a tackle by Pachuca midfielder Fernando Salazar in the LA Galaxy's 4-3 loss Wednesday may have put an end to David Beckham for the remainder of 2007.

    Beckham, 32, was injured in the first half of the SuperLiga title match and is expected to be out about six weeks. He will immediately begin rehabilitation, the team said.

    If all goes true to form, Beckham could return in mid-October when the Galaxy would have three regular-season games remaining — against Toronto FC on Oct. 13, New York on Oct. 18 and at Chicago on Oct. 21.

    "It's just gone from one thing to another thing," Beckham said Wednesday night. "Maybe it's time for me to just say, 'I need the rest,’and get it right and don't come back until it's right."

    He had already been nursing a left ankle injury that forced him to miss seven games since joining the team July 13. That injury occurred while playing for England on June 6.

    Beckham's extended absence deals a serious blow to the already slim chance the Galaxy had of making the playoffs. Its Major League Soccer record is 3-10-5 — last in the Western Conference.

    The latest injury also means Beckham won't be joining England's national team. He had planned to fly to London on Sunday for 10 days with the team as it prepares to play Israel and Russia in two Euro 2008 qualifying games.

    (Agencies)