U.S. striker released from hospital after car crash

United States and Sochaux striker Charlie Davies has been released from hospital after being injured in a car crash last month near Washington DC.

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Davies plays for Sochaux in Ligue 1

The 23-year-old suffered broken bones in his right leg and a lacerated bladder in the incident in which a 22-year-old passenger, Ashley Roberta, died. He has since been recovering at the Washington Hospital Center and later the National Rehabilitation Hospital.

He said: ''I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has dealt with me in the Hospital Center and NRH for really putting in the time to help me get better as a person and as an athlete. 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.''

No official timetable has been set for Davies' recovery but his rehabilitation, which will continue with the national team's medical staff, is expected to take between six and 12 months.

James DeBritz MD, director of Orthopaedic Trauma at Washington Hospital Center, who treated Davies, said: ''Charlie faces a long recovery from his orthopaedic injuries. It will take time and extensive physical therapy for his bones and soft tissue to heal. However, his overall health, age and positive attitude should help him to have a good outcome.''

The crash itself remains under investigation.

Former Hammarby striker Davies had a good start to his Sochaux career after joining the Ligue 1 club in the summer, and scored twice against champions Bordeaux after coming on as a second-half substitute for his second appearance of the season.

Davies, who has scored four goals in 17 international appearances, started the USA's 3-2 win over Honduras, which secured Bob Bradley's side a place at next summer's World Cup in South Africa, days before the crash.