Beckham fit to play

Los Angeles midfielder David Beckham has declared he is fit to play in Sunday’s MLS Cup date with Houston.

Beckham missed the past two days of Galaxy training as he rested a lingering back complaint ahead of the final, but the former England captain shrugged off those issues to return to the practice field on Saturday.

“I’m feeling good,” Beckham said after the session concluded. “Obviously, I’ve sat out the past couple of days, but it’s good to be back out there with the guys. We’re ready as a team. We’re ready.”

Los Angeles coach Bruce Arena has carefully managed Beckham’s fitness for much of the campaign. The former U.S. coach even said his star midfielder had a cold earlier this week to disguise the concerns about a stress fracture in Beckham’s spine.

Arena’s measured approach to the situation allowed Beckham to rest and recuperate this week. The time off apparently laid the groundwork for Beckham to come through Saturday’s session without any fresh worries.

“Obviously, I’ve had issues with my back all season,” Beckham said. “I was able to train today and I came through it with no problems. It’s all good.”

Although Beckham has missed the past two days of training to rest his back, he said he has not received any extra or special treatment or taken any painkilling shots from the Galaxy medical staff this week to alleviate any discomfort.

Arena said on Friday that Beckham will play against the Dynamo on Sunday night. Beckham reinforced those comments on Saturday and suggested he did not believe the knock would impact his performance in perhaps his last game as a Galaxy player.

“My body feels great,” Beckham said. “It shouldn’t be a problem, shouldn’t be an issue.”