From The NOTW:
A United insider confirmed last night: "David has been told he will not be able to play competitively for six weeks.
"There is a serious danger that if he receives another knock the rib could splinter and puncture his lung.
"David is very upset that he'll be out of football again so soon after breaking his foot towards the end of last season.
"But he cannot afford to take any chances with this."
The setback will also be bad news for England coach Sven Goran Eriksson, who was anxious to have his skipper involved in this week's squad get-together.
Beckham is likely to be ordered by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to report for treatment at Old Trafford rather than link up with his international colleagues for a what is being viewed by the club as a glorified social gathering.
Most other papers are reporting 2 to 3 weeks.
However, The People report today that DB will be asked to take time out to play for a FIFA World XI against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on December 18. We brought this to you a few weeks ago, however it is unlikely to happen now.