Ankle injury throws cloud over Beckham's debut

Somewhere along the way, lost among the endless hype of David Beckham's relocation to the U.S. is the true significance of his arrival. He is not here, as many have incorrectly suggested, to "save" the sport of soccer. The sport of soccer needs no saving in this country -- with growing grassroots foundations in the infrastructure of the U.S. sporting culture and a professional league (MLS) that is financially stronger and healthier than ever before, soccer, much to the chagrin of some, is in fact already here to stay.

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Everything hinges on David Beckham's troublesome left ankle.

As for those fears that Beckham's much-discussed five-year, $250 million contract would bring about the financial ruin of the Galaxy? In reality, his salary is for $6.5 million per season, with the rest a potential cut of revenue share and endorsements. And Beckham's signing has already more than paid for itself (that is, the $30 million contract portion) with merchandise sales, ticket sales and shirt sponsorship deals -- and off the field it is already an unqualified success.

Beckham's true purpose lies in helping the sport grow. By that, one doesn't mean become one of the "Big Four" sports in the U.S., although that's certainly something every sport should aspire to. It simply means to reach the next level in popularity, to gain more of a foothold in American consciousness and perhaps finally resonate with the many soccer fans in this country who have yet to take a liking or interest in MLS.

The first step in the attempted conversion of those fans will be Beckham's debut (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) against English powerhouse Chelsea, winner of the English Premier League in two of the last three seasons. Assuming his ankle cooperates, newly curious casual and hard-core soccer fans alike can tune in to watch to see just what all the fuss has been about.

Five story lines to follow

1. Will Beckham even play?

Even the best-laid plans often go to waste, and in this case it's Beckham's left ankle that is putting a severe damper on things. Beckham originally injured his ankle playing for Real Madrid in May and tweaked it further playing for England against Estonia in June. He's listed by the Galaxy as day-to-day, and at this point, he might even be a scratch. However, Beckham and his camp understand the ramifications if he misses his much-trumpeted debut, so it's still likely we'll see him out there against Chelsea -- although it's doubtful he'll see much playing time (the word is 15 minutes tops).

2. How valid would a Galaxy win be?

For MLS teams, these types of exhibition games against star-studded foreign opponents are almost a no-win situation. Chelsea is in preseason and has a ready-made excuse for a loss or tie. If Chelsea wins, MLS detractors will point to how an EPL team in preseason condition still won handily. As Galaxy GM Alexi Lalas said, "We get that all the time, that's always the case. If they beat us, they beat us in preseason and they're supposed to beat us, and if we beat them, they're in preseason and not really taking it seriously. So I'd much rather have them use that excuse rather than the other way round."

3. Both teams are serious about the game.

For the Galaxy, coming off a hugely disappointing 3-0 loss to Tigres, the game is as much about getting their pride and season back on track as it is an opportunity to make a statement about MLS' ability to compete with a team like Chelsea.

"The opportunity against Chelsea is a chance to gain some credibility," Lalas said. "Coming off this result [the loss to Tigres], it's an opportunity to make up for what we recognize was not a good performance at all."

As for Chelsea, the team has been moving smoothly along in its preseason preparation as it continues to integrate several new members of the squad. One of those new faces, midfielder Steve Sidwell, leaves no doubt as to Chelsea's intent against the Galaxy.

"We're looking good, we've had 10-12 training sessions and two games, so we're looking fitter and stronger each time out," Sidwell said. "We take every game seriously; there's no such thing as friendlies, we go out to win every game."

4. Can Beckham adjust to his new position in central midfield?

Those who have followed Beckham over the years, first with Manchester United and then with Real Madrid, know that he made his name by playing predominantly on the right side of the midfield, where he was free to wreak havoc by whipping in his trademark crosses. However, the Galaxy intend to utilize him in central midfield, a move that has been much debated.

"I think that having a player with his creativity that can involve everybody and can find some penetrating passes is going to do well there," Lalas said. "I think David can do that, and he's excited to do that."

It's a belief shared by Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, who felt Beckham would have "no problem" playing in the middle, and by Sidwell, who pointed out that he'd grown up watching Beckham "play in that position in the EPL, so he can do it in MLS, too."

Despite the optimism, it's not a given that Beckham can prosper with the position change. Juan Castro, a reporter with Marca, Spain's biggest newspaper, covered Beckham the last few years and remembers his ill-fated stint in central midfield at the beginning of his tenure with Real Madrid.

"It was a disaster," Castro said. "He didn't have the football understanding to play that position, but maybe it'll be OK in MLS."

5. A new, more attack-minded Chelsea.

While unable to question the results, critics of Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho have long criticized the aesthetic appeal of watching Chelsea play. The team's dour style is at sharp odds with the glittering array of talent at Mourinho's disposal.

This season, Mourinho has decided to revert to utilizing an attacking 4-3-3 formation, employing wingers (such as $27 million newcomer Florent Malouda) and placing more of an emphasis on pace in the lineup. Players such as English international Joe Cole have welcomed the move.

Five players to watch

1. David Beckham, M, Galaxy

Of course, all eyes will be centered on Beckham to see if he can live up to expectations. The question is just what those expectations are. To the casual fan hoping to see a new-age Pelé who dribbles at will past 3-4 defenders and scores with free abandon, expect to be disappointed. Beckham isn't that type of player -- instead, he's a hardworking midfielder who makes a living spraying beautiful passes and striking the occasional dead-ball masterpiece, the free kicks that earned him the "Bend It Like Beckham" moniker.

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Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba leads the Chelsea attack.

2. Didier Drogba, F, Chelsea

With the departure of Thierry Henry to Spain, Drogba is undoubtedly the best striker in the English Premiership and without question one of the top five strikers in the world (some would argue the best). Drogba possesses an almost unparalleled combination of size, speed, skill and power; he scored 33 goals in all competitions last season.

3. Michael Essien, M, Chelsea

While Drogba threatens to make life difficult for the Galaxy defense, Chelsea's resident hard man in midfield, Michael Essien, will make life miserable for Beckham. Essien spent much of last season deputizing at center back to help avert an injury crisis for Chelsea, but he will be restored to his natural position in central midfield this year. One of the elite two-way midfielders in the game, Essien is a fearsome matchup problem for anyone, let alone an injury-hindered Beckham adjusting to a new position.

4. John Terry, D, Chelsea

The English captain and leader of Chelsea's defense will have what appears to be the easiest job of the day -- shutting down the Galaxy's anemic offense. The problem is that Terry is reportedly nursing a broken toe sustained in Tuesday's 1-0 win against Suwon. If he plays, he probably will need a painkilling shot beforehand. One thing is certain: If Terry is in the lineup Saturday, nobody can question Chelsea's desire to win this game.

5. Landon Donovan, F, Galaxy

If there's someone on the Galaxy team who can give Beckham some offensive assistance against Chelsea, that someone would be Donovan. He has shown in the past that he is capable of putting together some quality performances against top opposition, and he probably will view this as another opportunity to prove his detractors wrong. Against Chelsea, though, he'll have to stay aggressive and run at people, something he didn't do enough of against Tigres.

Jen Chang is the U.S. editor for ESPNsoccernet and also writes a blog Armchair Musings. He can be reached at: armchairsweeper@gmail.com.