US forward Davies released from hospital

Charlie Davies, severely injured in a car crash last month after helping the United States qualify for the World Cup, was released from hospital on Tuesday after four weeks of treatment and recovery.

The 23-year-old forward was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed on a parkway in suburban Washington, where the US squad stayed ahead of a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica after a qualifying victory in Honduras had secured a Cup berth.

Davies, who plays for French club Sochaux, will work with the medical staff of the US national team in his rehabilitation after suffering a broken right tibia and femur, lacerated bladder, broken left elbow and facial fractures.

“Charlie faces a long recovery,” said James DeBritz, Washington Hospital Center’s orthopedic trauma director. “It will take time and extensive physical therapy for his bones and soft tissue to heal.

“His overall health, age and positive attitude should help him to have a good outcome.”

A passenger in the car, Ashley Roberta, 22, was killed in the one-car wreck. The driver, who has not been identified, was also hospitalized in the incident, which is still under investigation by US Park Police.

Davies, who scored three goals in 13 matches this year as a regular starter, is expected to need between six and 12 months to recover, all-but ensuring he will not play in the 2010 World Cup finals next June in South Africa.

“I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has dealt with me for really putting in the time to help me get better as a person and as an athlete,” Davies said in a statement.

“I continue to improve every day and I look forward to getting back on my feet and attacking rehabilitation.

“Thank you for everyone’s support. It really means a lot to me.”