Beckham damaged the internal lateral ligament in his right knee during the league game against Getafe on March 4 when he ran into the advertising hoardings behind the goal at the Bernabeu after attempting a cross.

The former England captain has missed five league matches since then, plus the return leg of Madrid's Champions League last-16 encounter with Bayern Munich in Germany.

The injury also ruled Beckham, 31, out of a possible recall to the England set-up for their Euro 2008 qualifying double-header against Israel and Andorra.

In Beckham's absence, Madrid have picked up 10 from a possible 15 points in the league, while they were also knocked out of Europe by Bayern.

Last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Racing Santander has left third-placed Madrid five points adrift of league leaders Barcelona with eight games remaining.

Valencia are one place and one point behind Madrid heading into Saturday's crunch encounter at the Bernabeu.

The Primera Liga is Madrid's final chance of silverware this season, while it is also the last opportunity for Beckham to win a major honour with the club before taking up a five-year contract with MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy this summer.