LOS ANGELES: David Beckham, sidelined since March with a torn achilles tendon, is hoping to take the field for the Los Angeles Galaxy against Columbus Crew on Sept.11.

“The doctors’ original date was Oct.1, but I always kind of said I want to be ready before then,” Beckham said in an article posted on the Major League Soccer team’s website.

“I’ll keep my fingers crossed and hopefully will play in part of the game here against Columbus. I’ll be on the bench, and hopefully I’ll get on the field for 15-20 minutes. That’s what I’m looking at.”

The 35-year-old Beckham, England’s most capped outfield player, missed the World Cup finals after tearing his left achilles tendon on March 14 while playing on loan for AC Milan.

He took part in his first full training session with the Galaxy on Aug.11 and has gradually stepped up his work.