PARIS (Reuters) – David Beckham is likely to feature in the Paris St Germain squad for the first time when the Ligue 1 leaders take on arch rivals Olympique Marseille on February 24, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday.

Former England captain Beckham joined as a free agent last month but has to improve his fitness before he can challenge for a place in the squad.

Asked when Beckham would be fit to be called up, Ancelotti told French sports daily L’Equipe: "Against Marseille I think. We will see in the coming days but maybe he will be a bit on the short side for the Sochaux game (this weekend)."

PSG, who lead second-placed Olympique Lyon by six points, travel to Valencia on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Related posts:

• Beckham to train with PSG from Wednesday
• PSG linked to Malouda as Ancelotti rumours grow
• Ancelotti ready to improve Paris Saint-Germain
• Gignac back in squad, Marseille back on track for Caen
• Schweinsteiger named in Bayern squad against Marseille