Beckham will be examined by Finnish surgeon Dr Sakari Orava at his Turku clinic this afternoon and is expected to go under the knife later today.

The injury, suffered while playing for AC Milan last night, has ended his hopes of playing in a record fourth World Cup.

The 34-year-old's career has also been called into question but Orava believes the midfielder can make a complete recovery.

"Usually yes," Orava told Sky Sports News.

"Top athletes usually heal well but it's a few months until you are back at the same level as you were before.

"I don't think it is a big difference to be (aged) 25 or 35, it will be three, four, five months.

"Most of these patients come back at the same level, even in a top soccer player."

Earlier, in a statement released to Press Association Sport, England manager Fabio Capello said: "We have to wait for the results of the scan, but it looks like he is out of the World Cup.

"I spoke with him after the game on Sunday night to offer my support, as did Franco Baldini.

"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."

It is expected to be three months at the very earliest before Beckham can run, and double that before he has a chance of playing again.

More likely he will be out for the remainder of 2010.

Capello added: "I am very sad for David that he has suffered this injury."

Beckham has been left "devastated" by the injury blow according to his spokesman.

"He's devastated by the injury. He's fearful of what it could mean for his World Cup hopes," Beckham's spokesman told The Sun.

"We will see the full extent of the injury. Victoria is flying out to him immediately because of the injury. She's naturally worried about him."

Beckham was only in Italy to give himself the best possible chance of becoming the first England player to feature in four World Cups.

The injury occurred with no opposition player near him in the dying seconds of Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo at the San Siro.