Can Charlie Davies really come back in time?

Tuesday, 16 February 10, 06:08 AM · Comments (1)

Ever since October, it's been a general assumption that Charlie Davies would miss the World Cup this year. After all, after surviving life-threatening injuries in a horrific car crash

But after finishing his rehab in the U.S., and now returning back to his French club Sochaux to complete his comeback, it begs the question -- can Davies really pull this off?

In an interview with ESPN at the beginning of February, Davies made it clear that he would be back for the World Cup.

"That's what's been driving me this whole time," Davies told Soccernet. "I've been looking at Web sites the whole time and they're always saying, 'We need to find a replacement for Charlie. We need to find someone because he's not going to be back.' "

With the bulletin board fodder in one hand, and what seems to be a maniacal work ethic in the other, Davies has already defied the predictions of doctors. And with a full recovery possible, the other issue will be his form and fitness. Will Bob Bradley have enough confidence in the 23-year-old? Can he play at the same level he was at before?

If Davies continues on this meteoric comeback path and hits the field for Sochaux prior to the end of the season, he'll get that chance. And with how barren the cupboard is at the forward position, in some ways it would make more sense to take a chance on a recovering Davies than a Jeff Cunningham or Robbie Findley replacement.

Having no medical background, it's hard to know what exactly is going to happen. Another player who suffered a horrific injury, Arsenal's Eduardo, has struggled in a long comeback attempt. While Davies wasn't injured on the pitch in the same fashion as the Brazilian-born striker, the psychological impact of another passenger dying in the car crash will be another obstacle to overcome.

Whatever the actual outcome -- the steps Davies has already made are remarkable. To be in this position, and to have an outside chance at making the World Cup squad, is a shock considering the circumstances. And if Charlie Davies is in the starting lineup on June 12 in Rustenburg, the miraculous journey will be all but complete.

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