PSG's Beckham may play Marseille in next week's Ligue 1 tie

David Beckham [ Images ] is likely to feature in the Paris St Germain squad for the first time when the Ligue 1 leaders take on arch rivals Olympique Marseille [ Images ] on February 24, coach Carlo Ancelotti [ Images ] said on Monday.

Former England [ Images ] captain Beckham joined as a free agent last month but has to improve his fitness before he can challenge for a place in the squad.

Asked when Beckham would be fit to be called up, Ancelotti told French sports daily L'Equipe: "Against Marseille I think. We will see in the coming days but maybe he will be a bit on the short side for the Sochaux game (this weekend)."

PSG, who lead second-placed Olympique Lyon [ Images ] by six points, travel to Valencia on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League [ Images ] last 16 tie.