Fifa boss meets FA over Beckham Hurst hits out at Beckham

Real Madrid's doctor Juan Carlos Hernandez told the club's website the injury was worse than first thought.

"Beckham has two hairline fractures, which make it difficult for him to walk and even lie down," said Hernandez.

Beckham will miss four games in La Liga but will be back for England's friendly with Spain on 17 November.

The injury also rules the 29-year-old out of England's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Wednesday.

And Beckham controversially admitted he deliberately fouled Welsh defender Ben Thatcher to pick up a yellow card to ensure the resulting one-match ban coincided with the injury.

Eriksson ponders Beckham action

Real sporting director Emilio Butragueno had told BBC Sport he hoped the 29-year-old would be fit in time for Tuesday's Champions League tie against Dynamo Kiev.

"If anyone can return quickly from injury, it's him," Butragueno said.

But now Beckham will miss both matches with Kiev as well as league games against Real Betis, Valencia, Getafe and Malaga.

Real have had a dire start to the season. They are currently 10th in La Liga, having lost three out of their first six games.

As captain of his country, which should be the main subject of debate, Beckham's role is to do the best he can for his team From Marty Have your say on 606

And Butragueno believes Beckham is crucial to turning around that slump in form.

"We didn't expect these results," said the former Spanish international striker.

"And we hope to change that with David Beckham in our side.

"In my mind we have the world's greatest squad and my forecast is that the team will bounce back.

"There's still a long way to go in the season - we have enough time to catch up and win the league."