Los Angeles midfielder David Beckham.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEATTLE -- Los Angeles midfielder David Beckham says he'll need an injection in his right ankle to reduce pain and allow him to play in Sunday night's MLS Cup final against Real Salt Lake.

Beckham has a bone bruise in his ankle that's been bothering him for some time.

He said Friday after Los Angeles finished training at Qwest Field that the combination of the injury and the artificial surface at the stadium won't keep him from playing for his first title since joining the Galaxy.

Beckham said after about the first five or 10 minutes of the match the ankle should stop bothering him.

He added that he thinks he has another few years of playing left in him and reiterated his plans to return to Los Angeles after next year's World Cup.