Fabio Capello has hinted that he could relent and select David Beckham again for Real Madrid - provided he proves his fitness and attitude.
Capello did claim that Beckham would never play for the club again after the former England captain signed a deal with MLS side LA Galaxy without consulting the Spaniards first.
Beckham was again absent from Real's squad to face Villarreal at the weekend, but Capello claims a knee injury, rather than any lingering dispute with the player, was the reason for his omission.
"I can only select players that have trained and he hasn't trained today [Friday] because of a knee problem," said Capello.
"I don't have any friends or enemies in the squad, I just select the best players that are available for each game. As with all the other players it will depend a lot on his physical condition."
Capello admits he may have been hasty in drawing a line through the remainder of Beckham's Real career.
"People can make mistakes," he added. "But these are decisions made by the whole coaching team and it will depend on what all three of us decide to do.
"When I see that he is in good shape and has a good attitude then he can form part of the team, but he has to show it."