That’s because, as I observed was the case here previously, Coach Bruce Arena is by no means certain David Beckham is ready after a six-month layoff due to a torn Achilles tendon to play against a top team like the Columbus Crew.
And since that injury occurred when, as Beckham himself later admitted, he was pushing himself too hard, you can be sure Arena doesn’t want to make the same mistake.
Reporter Phil Collin has the full story for the dead tree edition I’ll post here later, but kindly sent over some quotes he didn’t use for his story.
Here’s Arena on Beckham’s return:
“All of the decisions are going to be made day to day, week to week. (It’s) very soon. … That decision (to play him Saturday) hasn’t been made yet, but he’s getting close.
“He played in a practice game yesterday for 45 minutes. I guess we are six months in (from the date of the injury) September 15. Our original goal was to get him on the field Oct. 1. The decision-making has to be based on getting David on the field when he’s ready to play and not susceptible to an injury. Also, it has to be in the best interests of our team, but it’s getting real close.”
Here’s Arena on Beckham’s performance Wednesday in a scrimmage:
“He did fine. It was a practice game of 45 minutes where both teams were not playing like it was the World Cup final. It was just really a practice, a practice game and didn’t have the kind of intensity you have in a game, but David did better than I thought.”
On Beckham’s resilience and looking forward to next season:
“He is a guy that likes to defy the odds. When you say he can’t do something then you’re getting yourself in a lot of trouble.
“At this point in his career it would be good to have the right kind of preseason and get himself ready. We’d love to go start to finish with him next year. I don’t think that’s ever been done here. It would be remarkable if we could accomplish that. However, we’re
jumping ahead. That can certainly be done if he gets himself right. I don’t think that’s a critical issue at this point.”
Beckham, of course, is more optimistic about appearing Saturday:
“I’m ready to be honest. I’ve been working hard with the rehab and trying to get the stength back in my legs. After the practice match yesterday and seeing how I felt today, the
recovery was I feel remarkably good so yeah, I’m ready. … If I can play 10, 15, 20 minutes then hopefully I can do that.”
Here’s Beckham on his optimism that he’s ready to play:
“Whether I’m fit or not I always feel I can play and I want to play.That is partly a problem and partly a good thing. I’ve still got a way to go to get match fitness.”
Has Beckham learned his lesson and will rest his body during the offseason this time around?:
“I think so, yeah. I need that, my body needs that. I’ve been hitting it quite hard for the last couple of years and the injury is because of that so I think it’s now time for me to maybe look at myself and look at my fitness and make sure I have that first before I make any other decisions.”
Of course, that doesn’t want to play for England anymore (of course):
“I’m always motivated. Of course, I’ve always said I want to be available to play for my country but my main objective for the moment is to get myself fit, get myself playing and what happens after that we’ll see.
“I could play for quite a few more years. Things get said in press conferences and things get turned around at times, but I’ve always had a good relationship with Fabio (Capello) and that’s not changed. He’s England’s manager, he has to look for the future, he
has to look for players that are coming through in our country and we’ve got some great, talented young players coming through. These players need to be given their chance and they will be. Also the manager is aware there still needs to be old heads in there and some experience. If I’m part of that then great.”
As far as other players are concerned central defender Gregg Berhalter remains sidelined with an undiagnosed ailment:
“We still haven’t finalized what it is,” Arena said. “It’s above the lungs.”
Lastly, here’s Landon Donovan on the team’s – and his – loss of form since the World Cup:
“What I tell the players is you don’t realize how much the World Cup takes out of you. You see even players coming back and their seasons in Europe that have had a month off, they’re struggling. It takes a lot out of you. Mentally and emotionally it’s very difficult to go through that, especially the way our World Cup went.
“And then (to) come back and have that same passion and fire, that’s challenging. I’ve talked to Edson (Buddle) about this and it’s something I’ve looked at myself, if you want to be a top player and a top professional it’s something you have to find a way to overcome. It’s not easy.”