David Beckham hobbles off during end of AC Milan game with apparent Achilles’ tendon injury

Beckham hobbles off with apparent injury

MILAN — David Beckham hobbled off with an apparent torn left Achilles’ tendon in the closing minutes of AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Chievo Verona on Sunday, putting his status for the World Cup at risk.

Beckham 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, leaving Milan with 10 men since all three substitutes had already been used.

“He felt the muscle begin to come up, which is a typical symptom when you break an Achilles’ tendon,” Milan coach Leonardo told Italy’s Sky TV. “This is a real blow.”

Hoping to make England’s World Cup squad, Beckham is in his second loan stint with Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

More injury details were not immediately available.

Returning to the starting lineup after Milan’s 4-0 Champions League loss to Manchester United, Beckham was also treated for a deep cut to his right cheek following a collision early in the first half.

With the game still 0-0, Beckham nearly scored in the 84th, but Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino stopped his close-range effort.