Beckham looks to return in mid-September

The 34-year-old midfielder had surgery Monday, a day after injuring his foot while on his second loan to Italy's AC Milan. Dr. Sakari Orava said after operating that Beckham is expected to be out of action for about half a year.

“Injuries are an unfortunate part of our game and they are even more disappointing when they happen to a player who was so close to realizing his dream of representing his nation at this summer's World Cup,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said in a statement. “We will give David our complete support to make sure that he is able to get himself back to full health before he returns to the field. David remains an important player for the Galaxy and we look forward to welcoming him back to the club and assisting him in his recovery.”

The projected timetable has Beckham returning to play after Los Angeles' Sept. 11 home game against Columbus, in time for the Sept. 18 home match against D.C. United.

The Galaxy host New York on Sept. 24, are the road team against local rival Chivas USA on Oct. 3, then play four days later at expansion Philadelphia. The Galaxy close at home against Colorado on Oct. 16 and Dallas on Oct. 24.

“He is doing well and the operation lasted just under an hour. It went very well,” Orava told The Associated Press after the operation. “He will have to take it very easy during the next two to three weeks or a month, and then he will continue with a recuperation program slowly. The foot won't take much strain for two to three months.”

Orava also said it would be “four months to running” and another two months before playing.

Beckham's spokesman, Simon Oliveira, said the tendon was completely repaired, and he expected the 34-year-old midfielder to play again.

“David is expected to make a full recovery,” Oliveira said.

The former England captain was injured in the closing minutes of AC Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo Verona on Sunday. He was on his second loan to the Italian club from Major League Soccer's Lox Angeles Galaxy.

Beckham had two goals and three assists in 11 regular-season matches with the Galaxy last year, his third season with the team. Los Angeles advanced to the MLS final before losing to Salt Lake on penalty kicks.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email