Beckham has broken rib, out for six weeks

David Beckham could be out for six weeks after breaking a rib, British Sunday newspapers reported.

The England captain played in United's midweek Champions League match at home to Bayer Leverkusen without knowing his rib was broken, the News of the World said.

But scans revealed that the rib, thought only to have been bruised, was broken. Doctors said the England captain could have punctured a lung if he continued playing.

The newspaper said Beckham suffered the injury in an English premier league match against Southampton two weeks ago. He missed last weekend's derby defeat against Manchester City because of suspension.

The People newspaper, however, said it believed the injury was sustained during training on Friday.

The News of the World quoted a source inside the club as saying: "David has been told he will not be able to play competitively for six weeks.

"There is a serious danger that if he receives another knock the rib could splinter and puncture his lung."

United's official website made no mention of the injury. It ran a Saturday preview of Sunday's league match at Upton Park in London in which it looked forward to a clash of skills between Beckham and West Ham United's Joe Cole.

The news will be yet another blow to manager Alex Ferguson, who already has an injury list featuring England defender Rio Ferdinand and midfielder Nicky Butt. United captain Roy Keane will also miss the clash through suspension.

During the six weeks Beckham is expected to be sidelined, United face Arsenal and Liverpool, rivals for the domestic title, and Deportivo Coruna and Basel in the second group phase of the Champions League.

Beckham suffered a serious toe injury late last season that almost ruined his World Cup. He recovered just in time to lead England to the quarter-finals but he was not at his best.