England midfielder David Beckham has torn his Achilles tendon, according to AC Milan manager Leonardo, and his hopes of playing at the World Cup would appear to be over.
The on-loan 34-year-old hobbled out of the late stages of Milan's victory over Chievo on Sunday night after pulling up when unchallenged.
Beckham signalled to the bench that he needed to come off, despite Leonardo having used all of his substitutes, and the Milan manager has now said that the veteran has torn his Achilles tendon.
"David's injury gives us pain", Leonardo told Sky Italia. "It's an important injury. He immediately said it (the tendon) was broken. He immediately understood it was an important problem."
A Sky Italia television reporter on the San Siro touchline said Beckham had told the bench, "It's broken, it's broken" as he was stretchered off with his head in his hands.
Beckham had joined Milan on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy in order to boost his chances of impressing England boss Fabio Capelloahead of this summer's World Cup, which kicks off in June.
Extraordinary
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star had already confessed earlier in the weekend that he did not believe he was guaranteed a place at the finals in South Africa.
"He is an extraordinary guy and today's game proves it yet again," Leonardo added. "I cannot enjoy this evening considering this serious injury."
Capello is understood to have spoken with Beckham on Sunday night to commiserate over the injury, while England assistant Franco Baldini has also been in contact and Milan's players are in shock.
"Beckham is not well," said midfielder Ignazio Abate. "To see him suffer like that has really touched us."
Clarence Seedorf found it hard to celebrate his match-winning strike against Chievo.
"It's always ugly to be out because of an injury," said the Dutchman. "But it will mean that we will all need to give everything we have even for those who will not be with us.
"They deserve that for what they have done so far this season."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_6027576,00.html
