Doctor: David Beckham expected to make full recovery
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."
