DAVID Beckham, already a doubt for Manchester United's clash with Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday with a calf injury, today sported a gash above his left eye after reportedly being accidentally struck by a boot kicked by Ferguson

The England captain was substituted during United's tempestuous defeat against Arsenal at the weekend after picking up a calf injury.

He is unlikely to return for the Champions League fixture with Juventus on Wednesday, and may now be forced to miss the Reebok date.

Beckham's calf injury is a further blow to Sir Alex Ferguson, whose team have been experiencing a poor run of form in the run up to Saturday's vital game.

But even this has been overshadowed by the sight of Beckham sported a gash above his left eye after reportedly being accidentally struck by a boot kicked by Ferguson.

The England captain looked grim-faced as he left his home at Nether Alderley, Cheshire, this morning.

A wound was clearly visible above his left eye as he drove off past waiting photographers.

Reports suggest that the 27-year-old midfielder required two stitches in the cut after he was hit in the face by a football boot kicked by an angry Ferguson after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.

Beckham, who was substituted during the game after injuring his right leg, is reported to have received medical treatment at the ground after the dressing room incident and left immediately afterwards.

A Manchester United spokesman refused to comment on the bust up, saying: "Whatever happens in the dressing room remains private."

There is no suggestion that Ferguson intended to hurt anyone in the dressing room.

But the fiery Scotsman is renowned in football circles for his verbal outbursts in the dressing room.

Many former ex-United players have recounted his infamous "hairdryer treatment" in which he launches into a tirade just inches from the face of his 'victim'.

Beckham's father Ted said he had yet to speak to the England captain about the incident.

"I've got nothing to say. I don't even know what's going on myself," he said.

Back on the sporting front, Wanderers need points in their quest for survival while United need to win to keep up the pressure on Arsenal at the other end of the table.

But while Wanderers have been enjoying a mid-season break in Dubai, United have faced a tough run of games as they chase honours on several fronts.

They have failed, however, to win either of their last two games, both of which have been at Old Trafford - formerly a fortress.

Eight days ago they were perhaps fortunate to grab a home draw against rivals Manchester City when Blues striker Shaun Goater had a late goal ruled out.

But on Saturday they were well beaten by the Gunners, who stormed to a 2-0 win despite leaving Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp out of the starting eleven.

Wanderers have been victorous in two of their last three meetings with the six times Premiership winners, which included a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in September.