Former England captain David Beckham returned to full training with Real Madrid on Wednesday after a two-week absence because of a left knee injury.

Beckham, who missed three games with a swollen meniscus, is expected to be ready for Sunday's Spanish league game against Athletic Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The 31-year-old midfielder has made the starting lineup in only three league games this season and appears likely to be on the substitute's bench again.

Beckham's lack of starts heightened speculation about whether he will extend his four-year contract, which expires in June.

If the former England captain doesn't renew before the end of the year, he will be free to negotiate a move to other clubs. However, both Beckham and Madrid have indicated they hope to strike a new deal.

Madrid is in third place after 12 league games, three points behind defending champion FC Barcelona.

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