Beckham's World Cup absence confirmed

Soccer Betting Lines

03/15/2010 - Turku, Finland (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - England midfielder David Beckham underwent successful surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon on Monday in Finland, and it was confirmed by Dr. Sakari Orava that he will miss this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

The injury is expected to sideline Beckham for around six months and it remains to be seen how quickly he will be able to return to action with the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer.

Beckham suffered the injury while on loan at AC Milan in an attempt to win a spot on England's World Cup team, which would have made him the first England player to appear in four World Cups for the Three Lions.

The injury occurred late in the second half of Sunday's 1-0 win over Chievo when Beckham received a pass in midfield and grabbed at his left ankle after taking an awkward step.

Beckham is the most-capped outfield player in England history with 115, and he ranks second all-time behind goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who has amassed 125 caps.

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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