David Beckham after his injury during AC Milan-Chievo

TURKU, Finland — David Beckham has arrived in Finland for surgery on his torn left Achilles’ tendon, an injury that will keep him from the World Cup.

Beckham left a private jet on crutches at Turku on Monday afternoon and was whisked away in an SUV. Surgery is set for Monday or Tuesday.

The 34-year-old former England captain was injured in the closing minutes of AC Milan’s 1-0 win Sunday. He said on his Web site he hopes for a “swift and full recovery.”

A person familiar with the injury has told The Associated Press he will miss the World Cup “for sure.” A Finnish doctor set to operate on Beckham said there’s a “glimmer of hope” the midfielder will recover in time for the World Cup, which begins in June.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MILAN (AP) — David Beckham says he hopes to make a “swift and full recovery” from his torn left Achilles’ tendon after leaving Monday for surgery which will keep him out of the World Cup.

“I am on my way to Finland to see a specialist and have a scan on the injury,” Beckham said in a statement posted on his Web site. “I am upset but (want) to thank everyone for their messages of support. I hope to make a swift and full recovery.”

The 34-year-old former England captain was injured in the closing minutes of AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Chievo Verona on Sunday.

Later Sunday, a person familiar with the injury told The Associated Press that “he will miss the World Cup for sure.”

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because an official announcement had not been made. The person said it was likely Beckham will play again.

With his hopes of becoming the first English player to appear in four World Cups shattered and his future in international soccer in doubt, Beckham was scheduled to be operated on either later Monday or Tuesday morning by specialist surgeon Dr. Sakari Orava.

Read more at http://www.chron.com/