Surgeon says Beckham ready to leave Finnish clinic after successful operation

Beckham ready to leave clinic after operation

TURKU, Finland — David Beckham is undergoing his final post-surgery checkups and getting ready to leave the clinic where his Achilles’ tendon was repaired.

Orthopedic surgeon Sakari Orava said Wednesday that medical teams will review a rehabilitation program for Beckham before he leaves.

“All we need to do before his departure is to check that his (operation) wounds are OK, change his dressings and the cast, and go through the rehabilitation program,” Orava told Finnish broadcaster YLE.

The 34-year-old former England midfielder tore his left Achilles’ tendon when playing for AC Milan on Sunday. He will be sidelined for about six months and miss the World Cup in South Africa.

Beckham, who flew to the Mehilainen Clinic in this southwestern city on Monday, was joined a day later by his wife Victoria, who also spent the night at the clinic.

Formerly known as “Posh Spice” of the Spice Girls, she arrived by private jet on Tuesday afternoon at a snowy Turku airport. She was taken to the clinic in a Volkswagen van with tinted windows.

Local newspapers reported that the couple ordered pizzas to the clinic late Tuesday.

Orava, who has operated on several international sports stars, stressed the importance of having family close by.

“One’s family really can help a lot in such situations,” Orava said. “It’s understandable that such a serious injury, which in the worst-case scenario could end one’s career, can be depressing and the role of the family is to give support.”

The tendon was totally torn, ruling out hopes of Beckham playing in his fourth World Cup. The tournament starts June 11 in South Africa.

“It is hard to tell, but in general I can say that after an Achilles’ tendon tear, a total rupture, people usually are back in sports within half a year,” Orava said.

AC Milan said Beckham would begin rehabilitation right away.

“The plan includes a complete recovery in six months, at the end of which he can play again,” the club said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that Beckham shouldn’t put weight on his injured foot for two weeks and can undergo physical therapy in a pool after six weeks.

“Beckham is a Milan player until June 30, 2010, so all the eventual contractual obligations will continue to apply,” Milan organizing director Umberto Gandini said.

“After June 30, he will become a Los Angeles Galaxy player again. From the contractual point of view, absolutely nothing changes. The fact that he was injured doesn’t change affect his contract.”

Milan physicians followed Beckham to Finland and also will coordinate the first steps of rehabilitation.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a get-well message to Beckham and praised his role as an ambassador for his sport, according to Brown’s spokesman, Simon Lewis.

Orava said Beckham was a good patient.

“He is a very sympathetic, peaceful and nice person. Looks you in the eyes,” Orava said. “Our nurses also said that he’s a great patient and doesn’t complain about anything.”