Beckham operation a success but no World Cup: Doctor

15 March 2010 - 23:50 By Sapa-AFP
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“The operation was done, it went well and it will take many months for him to recover,” Sakari Orava told AFP, adding there was “no chance” the former England captain would play in the World Cup in South Africa in June-July.

“That is quite clear,” Orava said.

Beckham twisted his left ankle during the final minutes of an AC Milan Serie A game against Chievo Sunday and limped off the field before being stretchered away in pain and in tears.

The 34-year-old midfielder flew to the western Finnish city of Turku in a private plane on Monday and was walking on crutches when he arrived at the sports injury clinic of Mehilaeinen hospital, where Orava operated on him.

Beckham would stay in Finland overnight and could travel to either England or Italy either Tuesday or Wednesday, Orava said.

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