Great expectations for Beckham? It's a stretch
David Beckham's return to action after a six-month injury layoff has brought a smile to the face of his Los Angeles Galaxy teammates – thanks to a bizarre routine of pregame warm-ups designed to protect his recovered Achilles.
Beckham received a rousing reception Saturday when he came off the bench in the Galaxy's 3-1 victory over the Columbus Crew, his first competitive match action since he tore his Achilles in March.
But his comeback has come with a hefty and painful cost, albeit one that has brought laughter to the locker room.
"I was here more than three hours before the game warming up because I have to do a lot of hard work before I actually go out there," Beckham told The Sun newspaper. "First there was 2½ hours in the gym because it takes a lot of time to get my leg ready and then to keep it warm.
"And then out on the touchline I had to go through a series of strange-looking exercises to make sure I was ready. I really have to stretch this muscle, work it hard. And when I am out there walking on my heels or up on my toes, I do feel a bit of an idiot."
Beckham's colleagues were seen joking with the 35-year-old England midfielder as he wiggled and tottered around the field to keep his Achilles flexible and guard against a repeat of the devastating injury that ruined his chances of playing in the World Cup.
However, Beckham's grueling rehab process has been no laughing matter. After his Achilles snapped suddenly during a loan spell with AC Milan, many thought it unlikely Beckham would return this season and there even were suggestions the injury could shorten his career.
Instead, Beckham comes back into the Galaxy lineup just at the right time. The Galaxy struggled through a shaky spell following a superb start to the campaign, and his strength of character and commitment will provide a welcome boost as the club seeks its first MLS Cup title since 2005.
With him back, and Landon Donovan returning to form after a post-World Cup dip, the Galaxy is once again the favorite to win it all in November.
"We don't want to lay any great expectations on David," said Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena. "He is coming back from a devastating injury. We want him to move forward but he is not Superman. He doesn't walk on water.
"Having said that, of course you want to be with him rather than without him and I know he wants to make a good impact for us."
A tougher challenge for Beckham may be to extend his England international career, which looked to have been ended when head coach Fabio Capello said last month he was "too old.".
Since then, the dearth of character and experience in the current England side caused Capello to perform an about-face, but Beckham still has to produce a minor miracle to convince the Italian he is worthy of a spot on the squad.
"I have always said I still want to be available for England and if I'm fit and well I'm sure the manager will consider me," said Beckham. "But I am an honest person and if I'm not fit I will say so."
"I have been out injured for six months so right now it's a case of still getting my match fitness back. I'm working hard and making good progress but we will have to see how many games I get, how many minutes on the field I can get before the squad is announced.
"With this type of serious injury you have to take it one step at a time – and just playing again is a real big step forward for me."
