Real Madrid believe David Beckham's foot injury might not be too serious despite omitting him from the squad to play Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday.
A Madrid spokesman revealed they hoped to have the England captain back in action for next weekend's Spanish League game against Espanyol.
Beckham has not trained for two days since hurting the underside of his right foot during Madrid's 2-0 defeat in Valencia on Saturday, adding to concern that he could be doubtful for England's vital European Championship qualifier in Turkey on October 11th.
When asked on Sunday about his injury, Beckham said, "I really don't know - it's hard to tell."
But this evening the Spanish champions were taking a more positive view.
"The aim of the club at the moment is for him to be available to play against Espanyol on Sunday," said a club spokesman.
"We think that is a possibility - it's one of those injuries that is painful, but not necessarily serious."
Beckham was today limited to 40 minutes' work in the gym - all upper body exercises - and was limping badly.
Madrid full-back Michel Salgado admitted that Beckham's absence would be a blow for the Porto game.
Salgado said: "We don't have a big squad and he (Beckham) has been very important for us in midfield. However, there are other players ready to play and who want the chance."
Beckham's absence from the training pitch will have raised fears in the England camp, with Sven-Goran Eriksson desperate for his skipper to be involved in the October 11th match against Turkey.
The Istanbul clash is vital for England, who would qualify automatically for Euro 2004 as Group 7 winners with a draw or a victory.
However, should Eriksson's team lose, Turkey would top the group and England would have to go through a play-off in order to win their ticket to the finals in Portugal.