Another World Cup Tragedy for Beckham
David Beckham's dream of playing in a fourth World Cup was brought to an end by an Achilles tendon injury. The LA Galaxy star who was on-loan to AC Milan ruptured his left Achilles tendon during AC Milan's match against Cheivo on Sunday.
The midfielder pulled out of the centre circle while under no pressure from the opposition, just two minutes from time. He hopped on his healthy leg to the touchline and after several minutes of treatment was carried to the dressing room on a stretcher in tears as he mouthed "its broken, its broken" to the crowd.
The English international star has already undergone surgery in Finland and his surgeon, Dr. Sakari Orava, confirmed that the operation was a success. When asked about the possibility of David Beckham being able to play in this year's World Cup Orava said, "No, I don't think so....healing takes a long time." Beckham's foot will be in a cast for six to eight weeks, after which he can start "more vigorous" physiotherapy.
Due to the severity of the injury it has been speculated that Beckham's career could be over. However, his agent Simon Oliviera insisted otherwise.
"Even if David does miss the World Cup, he is aiming to play [with LA Galaxy] towards the end of the Major League Soccer season."
England coach Fabio Capello, who has yet to finalize his squad for the World Cup, said Beckham would be a loss for the finals in South Africa. "David is a great professional and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup, so missing it will be a big blow," he said.
Beckham had really been hoping to be included in the England World Cup squad, and his loan stints in Milan were a deliberate - and most observers believe successful - attempt to showcase his talent and match-turning abilities to the England manager.
This latest injury just adds to the many heartbreaks suffered by Beckham at previous World Cups. He was sent off in England's match against Argentina and blamed for England not winning the Cup in 1998; in 2002, he was still recovering from a broken metatarsal bone in his foot; and in 2006, he had to retire hurt after sustaining a tear in his right Achilles tendon. Later, Beckham tearfully resigned from the England captaincy.
Beckham said on his website that he was upset but thanked everyone on for their messages and that he hopes "to make a swift and full recovery".
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