The Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham, who suffered a torn Achilles' tendon March 14 while playing on loan for AC Milan, hopes to return to MLS action on Sept. 11 when the Galaxy hosts the Columbus Crew.

"The doctors’ original date was Oct. 1, but I always kind of said I want to be ready before then," said the 35-year-old. "I’ll keep my fingers crossed and hopefully will play in part of the game here against Columbus. I’ll be on the bench, and hopefully I’ll get on the field for 15-20 minutes. That’s what I’m looking at."

On Aug. 11, Beckham participated in his first full training session with the club and said he is feeling better and better but feels like he's in preseason.

“At the moment, you have good days and you have bad days,” said Beckham, who was on crutches for six weeks and a a walking boot for more than two months . “You wake up with a lot more pain in your body when you’re in preseason. I have to do it because I need to get as close to match fitness as possible. It’s a bit difficult because when you don’t play in games; that’s where you get the real fitness from. But I’m doing what I can in the gym and what I can on the field, just trying to get strength back in my leg."