England midfielder Beckham will join Milan on a loan deal in January but will return to Los Angeles Galaxy for the start of the 2009 Major League Soccer season in March.

His arrival could come at the perfect time for the Rossoneri, who were without injured midfielders Gennaro Gattuso and Kaka for last night's 4-2 defeat at Juventus.

Gattuso is out for the season with a knee injury.

"At this point, Beckham becomes even more useful and important to us," said Ancelotti. "Although he (Beckham) doesn't have the characteristics of Gattuso."

The Rossoneri may also consider strengthening their defence in January with their performance against Juve undermined by some sloppy individual errors.

"We are too vulnerable in defence," said Ancelotti. "We have conceded too many opportunities and that annoys me.

"The difference between the two sides was defensively. Juve have taken advantage of our mistakes and we have given away four goals, that's too many."

Milan entertain struggling Udinese on Sunday with Beckham expected to watch the Rossoneri's last game of the year from the stands at the San Siro.

Ancelotti's side go into next weekend's game nine points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan.