"I won't be able to be with the team for the next five or six days," said the England skipper on the club's website on Thursday.

"I felt something in the warm-up(for Wednesday's match against Arsenal) but I carried on as best I could."

The midfielder played the whole game against Arsenal, his firstfor Real in England, but failed to exert his normal influence as his side drew the first knockout round second leg tie 0-0 to go out 1-0 on aggregate.

A spokesman for Beckham said the injury became worse as the match wore on.

Medical staff have told the player he should rest for a week before resuming full training. Enditem