Beckham crunch over Cruise wedding.

Real Madrid expects David Beckham to train with the team on Saturday instead of attending movie star Tom Cruise's wedding.

Beckham, who is ruled out of Saturday's league game at Racing Santander with a left knee injury, received Madrid's permission to visit Cruise and his fiancee Katie Holmes in Italy on Friday.

However, club rules insist the 31-year-old midfielder return and work on his fitness before attending the match at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, sports daily AS said.

"He's injured, he hasn't recovered and he has to train," Madrid coach Fabio Capello was quoted as saying.

Asked whether he was aware that Beckham would miss the wedding, Capello seemed unconcerned.

"That's not my problem," he said.

Speculation is mounting that Beckham's three and a half year stay with Madrid will end during the January transfer window.

The 31-year-old midfielder, whose contract ends in June, is stalling on Madrid's offer of a new deal due to his lack of first-team opportunities.

Britain's newspapers Saturday said the wedding incident increased the chances of Beckham leaving the club.

"Cruising for a bruising," read the front page headline of top-selling daily The Sun, adding that "Becks risks club row for wedding."

"Real Mad" said the Daily Mirror. Its editorial criticized Real Madrid for telling Beckham "to sit in the stand like a naughty little boy."

Beckham, who has only started three games this season, will be free to negotiate with other clubs if he hasn't renewed by January.

Speculation is rife that he could return to the English Premier League or move to a Major League Soccer club in the United States. MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy is among the clubs reportedly interested.

MLS recently changed its rules on salary caps, which would allow the former England captain to sign a lucrative deal. Beckham has a soccer academy in Los Angeles.

Beckham hasn't won a major trophy with Madrid since his arrival from Manchester United in 2003.