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Doctor: David Beckham expected to make full recovery
Sophie Goodchild and Nick Pisa15 Mar 2010
David Beckham is expected to make a full recovery from his Achilles tendon injury but is almost certain to miss the World Cup, according to the expert treating him today.
Professor Sakari Orava revealed the soccer star's career is not over although it could take several months for him to recover.
Beckham, 34, was being examined by Dr Orava at the specialist Mehiläinen Turku clinic after flying into Finland.
There has been speculation that Beckham's long-term future is in jeopardy after he suffered a ruptured tendon in the closing minutes of last night's 1-0 win over Chievo.
But Dr Orava said he was optimistic that the midfielder could return to football. He said: "Top athletes usually heal well but it's a few months until you are back at the same level as you were before.
"I don't think it is a big difference to be (aged) 25 or 35, it will be three, four, five months. Most of these patients come back at the same level, even in a top player."
AC Milan club doctor Jean Pierre Meersseman said: “It's likely he will then go back to Los Angeles for his rehabilitation.”
Doctors at the Finnish clinic will stitch back together the ruptured ends of the tendon so it can heal in an hour-long operation. A cast or brace will then be fitted to the injured leg to aid the healing.
Professor Orava is an expert in orthopaedics and traumatology at the clinic and is said to be the world's leading expert on Achilles tendon surgery.
He has been operating on sports stars for 40 years, including Jonathan Woodgate for a thigh injury in 2005 when he was a defender at Real Madrid. He was head physician for Finland's Olympic team from 1988 to 2000 and has travelled to Seoul, Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney.
Achilles tendon injuries are one of his special interests,with muscle, foot and other tendon problems.
PR guru Max Clifford said: “Beckham's a huge international brand and he will not have to worry too much about the money. He's in the best position of any footballer to move forward.”
Reader views (9)
Comments from men on these messageboards often accuse women of making negative comments about the female celebs in various stories, but I'm amazed at some of the negative comments here from other men! It doesn't matter what your personal opinion of the man is, you have to admit Beckham is a worldwide emblem for English football and he has worked hard for the UK, unlike many other current footballers who just seem to want the paycheque and the women that come with it. There is talk already of him going out to South Africa as a "mentor" for the younger players. It will be very hard for him to get over his disappointment to be able to do that. You have to feel for him. But somehow I think he will, once again, step up to the plate, even if only as an inspirational image.
- Stella, London, UK, 15/03/2010 22:20
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He should take this opportunity to bow out gracefully. He has been a model and perfume salesman long enough to see his future.
- Amazonmothe, hasting, 15/03/2010 21:20
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Beckham is history he might as well be Stanley Matthews. His valuable days are over and no loss to England as the rest of the world will field players almost half his age. He went abroad for money with his publcity seeking spouse, neither are role models for the new generation
- Jon, London, 15/03/2010 16:36
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Still, I'm sure he'll be well enough for his next celebrity endorsement, whatever the product.
- Bob, Cheam, 15/03/2010 16:08
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Bit below the belt Chris, she looks quite fit now although a bit too skinny. Seriously, its a shame though as Becks has always been a great ambassador for England and is such a driven player. I bet he's devastated.
Capello, if its any consolation, i'm magic on the right wing and free to travel for a month this summer. I'm 100% behind the 3 lions cause!!!!
- David, London, 15/03/2010 15:28
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about 50% of the key football journalists suggested he should be a squad member, so not really a great loss. The idea of him going with the team to offer advice and guidance seems very risky, is he really that respected by the team???
it is potentially a negative move and the FA are already paying huge salaries to coaching staff with the necessary experience. What would he be- some sort of mascot? I suspect it will be for ITV and BBC to bid for his insight
- Martin_Clerkenwell, london, 15/03/2010 15:28
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On the positive side, we won't have to look at posh's miserable face during the world cup.
- Chris, London, 15/03/2010 14:11
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I snapped my achilles tendon in 2003 and had what's called a Leeds Keo operation. In headline terms this involved the two ends of the ruptured tendon being stitched together, a hole bing drilled through my heel bone, carbon fibre tape being threaded through it and then run up the back of the tendon in a multiple figure of eight configuration, and stitched at the cross over points. I was in plaster for just 3 weeks and made a full recovery far quicker than the conventional 12 weeks in plaster option.
I don't understand why Becham is not being offered this proceedure.
- Peter, Weybridge, 15/03/2010 13:37
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Beckhams coaching days have arrived. Now its his turn to give his experience to the England Team.
- Dhan Raj, Basildon, 15/03/2010 13:19
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