David Beckham's surgeon Sakari Orava has revealed that the midfielder is recovering well from Achilles tendon surgery, but AC Milan have confirmed that the England midfielder will be out for six months.
"He is recovering fine, he has been walking with crutches," said the specialist of Monday's operation.
"He can move around a little bit more every day. (His recovery) is as expected."
Late on Tuesday night, Milan's website confirmed that the 34-year-old will be out for six months, rather than the initial prognosis of four months.
"The plan predicts a complete recovery in six months, at the end of which he can return to playing football," read the update.
"Today Dr. Sakari Orava visited Beckham and everything is going well. The rehabilitation programme starts immediately.
"For the first two weeks the player must not put weight on the injured leg, after which he can partially and progressively do so until the sixth week.
"At that point he can begin specific therapy in the swimming pool."
Beckham is likely to recuperate in England or Italy, as Orava does not want him returning to America immediately.
He explained: "I said maybe it is not wise to fly over the Atlantic right now, to stay somewhere for 2-3 days. But the risk is small.
"Maybe he has an island paradise somewhere."