Charlie Davies' recovery from career-threatening injuries has been guided by a beacon of light: to be fit in time to represent the United States in the 2010 World Cup.The forward has been back in training with his Ligue 1 club Sochaux since March, in hopes of seeing field time before possibly heading to South Africa. Until yesterday, it looked like he might actually have a reasonable chance of returning.
On Thursday, Sochaux president Alexandre Lacombe said in a statement that Davies would not be recovered in time for the end of the season. This could prove to be a major blow to the American's World Cup dreams if he fails to get playing time in the next couple of weeks.
Davies responded by telling the Associated Press he still remains hopeful of returning and has not given up. But with only five games left in the French season, how realistic is this notion?
I can see Lacombe's point: Davies, when fit, is a pacey forward that creates havoc for opposing defenses. Sochaux have made an investment in the American and want to avoid any sort of career-shattering setbacks if he returns prematurely.
However, the progress Davies has made is nothing short of remarkable. Why not give him a chance as a substitute? Maybe only 10 minutes is what he could give his team: but mentally, it would give Davies that spark to continue getting fully fit.
So will Davies make it into the Sochaux squad before the season ends? I guess we will have to just wait to find out. The clock is ticking, but I wouldn't want to bet against him at this point.
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