Davies loses fitness battle (AFP) Tuesday 4 May 2010

USA striker Charlie Davies, seriously injured in a car crash in Washington last October, will not be fit to compete in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, medical staff at his French club Sochaux have announced.

Davies had spoken of his desire to compete in South Africa, months after a deadly car crash seemed to have shattered his FIFA World Cup dreams. The 13 October accident killed one passenger and left the 23-year-old Sochaux star with a broken leg, multiple facial fractures and a lacerated bladder. Doctors said he would be out of action for a year.

Davies will not be fit to return to team action for Sochaux before the end of the season, a team source said, adding that he needed more time to recover. The club, who are sixth from the bottom of Ligue 1, have said they are counting on Davies for next season.

Davies scored two goals in six appearances for Sochaux before the crash. (fifa.com)