LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham will not play in Tuesday's Superliga match at Major League Soccer rival FC Dallas, missing his third game since joining the US club due to a sore ankle.

The England midfielder made his Galaxy debut as a 78th-minute substitute against Chelsea earlier this month but missed two home games against Mexican teams in the inaugural Superliga, an event featuring top US and Mexican clubs.

Beckham's next chance to take the field, provided his injured left ankle has healed, will come on Sunday when the Galaxy will visit Toronto in what would be the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star's first actual MLS match.

Team officials said Beckham, 32, would not travel with the Galaxy to Dallas but coach Frank Yallop is looking to have him with the team for the trip to Toronto, depending on the status of his ankle.

Beckham has yet to train with his new teammates and has been receiving daily treatments on the injury, which took place while he was playing for England on June 6.

Beckham has a five-year deal worth a potential 250 million dollars to play for the Galaxy, which must balance the pressure to play Beckham against the risk to his availability for later matches.

MLS teams have sold season tickets and seats for other games on the promise of giving fans in every city a chance to attend a game involving Beckham, whose bid to help boost football awareness in America would fade if he cannot appear.