Beckham out for season, World Cup

 

14 March 2010

by Jerrad Peters

 

David Beckham's season, World Cup hopes and possibly his career came to a tragic end, Sunday, when he pulled up unchallenged and was carried off the pitch in the final moments of AC Milan's 1-0 win against Chievo Verona at the San Siro.

 

As he approached the touchline for treatment, the 34-year-old appeared to mouth the words "It's broken; it's broken," before being taken off the field on a stretcher. He must have immediately understood the severity of the injury, and will now face at least six months on the sidelines as he rehabilitates a torn Achilles in his left foot.

 

"David understood immediately that he had torn his Achilles tendon," stated a sombre Leonardo in his post-match remarks. "When the tendon breaks, everything comes away and the muscle starts to rise. I felt great pity for him. This injury has been a heavy blow for him and for us. Unfortunately the party is ruined."

 

So, too, is Beckham's England career. Once a long-shot to get regular playing time in this summer's World Cup, the Milan winger's chances had been recently boosted by an injury to Aaron Lennon and the poor form of Theo Walcott. Those hopes have now been dashed, and both England coach Fabio Capello and assistant Franco Baldini telephoned Beckham Sunday evening to offer their regrets and best wishes.

 

The former England captain will fly to Finland on Monday and be operated on by Sakari Orava, a specialist in athletes' injuries who once performed similar surgery on current Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.

 

Should the procedure be a success, Beckham will be targeting a September return to Los Angeles Galaxy, who will be in the latter stages of their MLS season. Milan technical director Adriano Galliani has indicated the Italian club would welcome the player back on loan in January, although anything beyond the present is speculation at the very best. In all likelihood, Beckham has played his final match for the Rossoneri.

 

Long admired for his fitness and commitment to training, Beckham's injury may be a consequence of the ambition to remain in his national team—a desire that had him playing football constantly, from July to November in Major League Soccer, and from January to June in Serie A. It was a rigorous schedule, and it appears to have taken its toll.

 

It's that same drive, however, that could see Beckham—who turns 35 in May—overcome this latest setback and return to competitive football outside MLS next winter. The prognosis may say otherwise, but if his past is any indication, it's always to soon to rule David Beckham out of anything.

 

jerradpeters@gmail.com