ENGLAND midfielder David Beckham has torn his Achilles tendon, according to AC Milan boss Leonardo, and his hopes of playing in the World Cup would appear to be over. The surgeon set to operate on Beckham expects the midfielder to be out for up to four months. The on-loan 34-year-old, a former Three Lions captain, hobbled out of the late stages of Milan's win over Chievo on Sunday night and it was speculated that he could be facing between five and eight months of rehabilitation after pulling up when unchallenged. Such fears have now been confirmed, with medics revealing that Beckham will be sidelined for at least three months. That would leave him with no time in which to work on his fitness ahead of a trip to South Africa. The World Cup gets underway on 11 June and there is no way Beckham will be ready by then. He must now hope that his operation passes without a hitch and he is able to return to competitive action with parent club Los Angeles Galaxy in late summer. "To start kicking and playing football about three months," said Dr Sakari Orava, the surgeon set to carry out the surgery on Beckham in Finland. "For maximum performances and maximum kicks and jumps, maybe it takes one month more, three to four months before one is able to do light playing." A short statement on AC Milan's official website read: "A rupture of the Achilles tendon is suspected." AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani is quoted as saying that the player will be out for "probably five or six months." The Italian coach admits he may be forced to consider other options after seeing Beckham break down and leave Milan's Giuseppe Meazza home on crutches. "We have to wait for the results of the scan, but it looks like he is out of the World Cup," said England coach Fabio Capello. "I spoke with him after the game on Sunday night to offer my support, as did Franco Baldini. "David is a great professional and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup, so missing it will be a big blow"
