Sore Beckham skips Los Angeles Galaxy practice

CARSON, Calif. -- David Beckham skipped practice Friday to rest his sprained right knee, but the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder could play again before the end of the regular season.

Beckham returned unannounced to light training earlier this week after missing a month because of his knee, although he will not travel with the team for Sunday's game at Houston.

"It was a surprise to everybody. He kind of wanted to come out and see what he could do," coach Frank Yallop said about Beckham's first appearance Wednesday. "He did well. It was good to see him out there."

Beckham trained lightly Thursday, but his knee was sore Friday, so he didn't join the team on the practice field.

"It was good to know that he's got a gauge now, where he's not that far off," Yallop said. "We're hoping that we can get him into the lineup as quick as we can, but there'll be no rush from us because of what has gone before. He wants to make sure he's ready and healthy."

Beckham's left ankle was injured before he joined the Galaxy in July.

Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas said that he was hopeful Beckham could play in one or both of the team's final home games -- Toronto on Oct. 13 and New York on Oct. 18.

The team has a 7-13-6 record, but still has a chance to make the playoffs with four games remaining.