Beckham returns to training.

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.

Oddsmakers have Real listed at 1/4 to win.

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.