David Beckham (AP)

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Johannesburg - The Local Organising Committee have expressed their disappointment with the Achilles' tendon injury that will stop David Beckham from taking part in his fourth World Cup.

LOC spokesperson Rich Mkhondo told The Associated Press on Monday that Beckham is a "household name" and that his presence would be missed.

Mkhondo also said the organising committee wishes Beckham luck and that they would love him to be at the World Cup in South Africa if he recovers in time.

Beckham twisted his left ankle during the final minutes of an AC Milan Serie A game against Chievo Sunday and limped off the field before being stretchered away in pain and in tears.

He has already undergone surgery in Finland, with the surgeon who operated on him on Monday confirming what everyone already suspected.

"The operation was done, it went well and it will take many months for him to recover," Sakari Orava told AFP, adding there was "no chance" the former England captain would play in the World Cup in South Africa in June-July.

"That is quite clear," Orava said.

The 34-year-old flew to Turku on Monday and was walking on crutches when he arrived at the sports injury clinic of Mehilaeinen hospital, where Orava operated on him.

Beckham would stay in Finland overnight and could travel to either England or Italy either Tuesday or Wednesday, Orava said.

The former Manchester United star has generated numerous column inches with Sam Wallace from In The Independent commenting: "If there was any consolation for Fabio Capello last night upon hearing the news that David Beckham had snapped his Achilles tendon then it was this: at least it was not Wayne Rooney."