Beckham was forced to sit out last Saturday's thrilling 4-3 home victory over Espanyol after picking up a booking in the previous match against Sevilla which resulted in a one-match ban.

Although Madrid managed to see off Espanyol without Beckham, coach Fabio Capello could hand an immediate recall to the former England captain for Sunday's game seventh-placed Recreativo as the Spanish giants look to consolidate top spot in La Liga.

Beckham has been in fine form since returning from a six-week injury lay-off last month and, after the midfielder had his suspension for the game against Sevilla overturned, Capello said: "I am happy, he is a very important player for us."

Beckham, 32, has a maximum of four Primera Liga matches left before he leaves Madrid this summer to take up a contract with Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.

Madrid moved to the top of the table after beating Espanyol to record their seventh win in eight league matches, climbing above two-time reigning champions Barcelona, who were held to a 1-1 home draw by lowly Real Betis on Sunday.

Both Madrid and Barca have 66 points, but Capello's men are top due to their superior head-to-head record against the Catalan side this season.

Madrid won the most recent of their 29 league titles in the 2002/03 season, while they have failed to win a single major honour since Beckham joined the club in the summer of 2003.

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