England International David Beckham could be in danger of missing the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after suffering what officials are describing as an “Achilles Tendon injury” against Chievo during AC Milan’s match at the San Siro.

Via TimesOnline

David Beckham’s hopes of playing in the World Cup in South Africa this summer were effectively ended by injury on Sunday night.

The 34-year-old was carried off on a stretcher with a serious-looking injury to his left foot in the closing minutes of AC Milan’s victory over Chievo Verona on Sunday night. After the game, Leonardo, the Milan coach, said that the England midfield player had ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Replays showed that Beckham had appeared to injure himself without coming into contact with anyone else. With the ball at his feet, the former England captain shifted his weight and immediately realized there was a problem, reaching his hand down to his left heel. Visibly in pain and in tears, Beckham went to the sideline for medical attention.

“He felt the muscle begin to come up, which is a typical symptom when you break an Achilles’ tendon,” Leonardo said. “This is a real blow.”