David Beckham's draining trans-Atlantic schedule is beginning to concern his employers, Los Angeles Galaxy.

The former England captain drew a blank, along with his team-mates, in Galaxy's 3-0 Major League Soccer derby defeat against Chivas USA on America's west coast less than 30 hours after he had finished playing for his country in a friendly against Germany some 5,500 miles away at Wembley.

Galaxy general manager Alexei Lalas responded by conceding there will come a point when Beckham's body can no longer sustain his double life.

Lalas said: ''We have a vested interest in this player and we have spent a tremendous amount of money to retain his services.

''We want to make sure we get our money's worth and he is physically and mentally ready to go when he plays for the Galaxy.

''There comes a point when your body can't do it any more.''

Lalas hinted that Galaxy will not be afraid to try to stop Beckham, signed in a deal reportedly worth in excess of £120m, burning himself out with avoidable air miles.

''If at any point we felt it was detrimental to his health or ability to help our team we would take action,'' Lalas added.

Beckham, who has been troubled by an ankle injury, made his long-awaited first start for his new team in New York last weekend before flying to London for England's friendly.

The midfielder was used for the full 90 minutes of England's 2-1 defeat, having also played the whole game in New York, then flew back to Los Angeles on Thursday.

More of the same appears inevitable as Beckham tries to fulfil his commitments to two masters, with MLS matches set to come thick and fast while the 32-year-old continues his efforts to try to help England qualify for the Euro 2008 championships over the next two months.

Lalas was diplomatic as he spoke respectfully of Beckham's England ambitions.

''We would never stand in the way of a player representing their country,'' he insisted.

''David's love of England and the honour that it is for him to represent his country is evident from the first time you talk to him. But there will certainly be moments when we need to sit down with him and do what's best for our organisation and him.''