David Beckham's chances of appearing in a record fourth World Cup are over as he starts recovering from an operation on his Achilles tendon.
The midfielder, who ruptured the tendon playing for AC Milan on Sunday night, underwent surgery in Finland on Monday.
Beckham's spokesman said he was expecting to make a full recovery, but the player's surgeon said he could be out the game for five months.
The spokesman said on Monday night: "Professor Sakari Orava performed a successful operation... repairing the tendon completely. David is expected to make a full recovery. Professor Sakari Orava will conduct a further examination... when a programme for rehabilitation will be finalised."
Asked whether Beckham would be able to play in the World Cup, which starts in South Africa on June 11, Prof Orava said: "No, I don't think so... healing takes a long time.
"It is difficult to say how long the recovery period will be but I would guess it will be three or four months and for example for running it usually takes four or five months until one can do it properly."
England manager Fabio Capello also indicated the former captain will not be fit in time for the showpiece tournament.
The Italian, who has spoken to Beckham, said: "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."
Beckham pulled up during AC Milan's Serie A encounter with Chievo without coming into contact with anyone else. He then limped to the sidelines for treatment, distraught.
The star midfielder recently joined Milan for a second loan spell from Los Angeles Galaxy in a bid to prove his fitness to Capello.
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