Beckham's injury is a major blow for England
David Beckham's dream of playing in a fourth World Cup looks over after he tore an Achilles tendon in AC Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo on Sunday.
Beckham was unchallenged when he suffered the injury and hobbled off in pain before being stretchered away.
The 34-year-old was hoping to be part of England's World Cup squad in June, but instead will fly to Finland on Monday for specialist surgery.
"A rupture of the Achilles tendon is suspected," said an AC Milan statement.
Beckham, who is in his second loan stint with Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, will now almost certainly not be fit for the World Cup in South Africa which starts on 11 June.
Consultant sports physician Dr Tom Crisp told BBC Radio 5 live: "It's remotely possible he may be running in three months. The chances of him being fit to play for England are non-existent."
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said that the Englishman will be out for "probably five or six months".
"I saw him and he was suffering. In the dressing room, I took him in my arms and told him that if he wanted, he will be with us next year," said Galliani.
AC Milan coach Leonardo said: "Beckham's injury makes us feel terrible. He understood immediately that he had torn his Achilles tendon.
"He is an extraordinary guy and today's game proves it yet again. I cannot enjoy this evening considering this serious injury."
AC Milan team-mate Ignazio Abate said the England star was inconsolable.
"He's not doing well. He was in tears in the dressing room, he wasn't saying a lot. This has affected us all," said Abate.
Former Manchester United star Beckham, England's most capped outfield player with 115 appearances, was bidding to become the first England player to feature in four successive World Cup finals. He shares the record of three with Bobby Moore and Peter Shilton.
England coach Fabio Capello spoke with Beckham on Sunday evening to offer his commiserations, according to the Press Association.
Credits: BBC
Like our posts? Follow Firstain on Twitter and/or join our Facebook Group to stay up-to-date with us.
Like our authors? Follow them: Aman Milwani on Twitter and/or Karan on Twitter.
Subscribe to Firstain by Email
Share This Post!
