Charlie Davies Won't Return For Ligue 1 Play

On Thursday, the president of Charlie Davies' club, Socheaux, stated that the American striker will be unable to play for the Ligue 1 club this season. 

"He will not play in Ligue 1 this season. He is doing well and that is what's important," Socheaux president Alexandre Lacombe said Thursday.

These statements seem to be a serious setback to Davies' World Cup dream, who has tweeted and said in numerous interviews that he plans to play for his club for at least one or two games and definitely for his country in the World Cup.

A spokesperson (Stijn Slaats) said that although Davies will miss playing time this season for his club, he might still have a chance for the World Cup.

"But on the other hand, there is one more month until the World Cup. He hasn't removed his sights from the World Cup. The president wanted to keep the pressure a bit low profile for Charlie since here we only have three weeks to go in league games and it will be hard for him to come back for any minutes on the pitch here. But, on the other hand, the World Cup is a bit further away and he maybe still has time to make it," Slaats told MLSsoccer.com.

Despite Davies and Slaats optimism though, the American striker's chances seem much slimmer than before. Davies may still have time to recover completely from his injuries, but gaining complete match fitness and ball touch will probably take a long time. 

If Davies can make a return, then he may still be picked for the friendly's ahead of the World Cup against the Czech Republic and Turkey, but if not fit, then head coach Bradley will be pressured to bring a fully fit squad to the tournament and drop Davies. 

Slaats also told MLSsoccer.com that although Davies has had a few group sessions with the team, he is still doing individual work, especially in the gym to strengthen his muscles. 

Davies has had a miracle recovery so far, but he will be hard pressed to make a return for the World Cup. If he can make a return for his country (who really need his explosiveness), then it will be nothing short of a miracle.