Charlie Davies, just over four months after the horrific accident that nearly ended his life, finally had his last surgical procedure related to his injuries, on his left elbow.


Davies shared the news on Twitter today, showing off a wicked scar while thanking the fans for the support they've given him.


Per Ives Galarcep's ESPN piece on Davies just two weeks ago, the elbow surgery is the last hurdle Davies' faces before he is back in training with his club side, Sochaux. After a week or so to recover, he plans to be back in France. "Amazing" doesn't begin to describe it.


A return to training is the precursor to an actual return to the field, and though Sochaux will surely work Davies into the fold slowly and cautiously, there's little reason to doubt that he'll be making substitute appearances in Ligue 1 by his target date of April. I suspect that Sochaux's match whenever Charlie is finally back in the squad will the be most watched Ligue 1 match by Americans, ever. Davies is that important to the USMNT, his story is that compelling to all soccer fans, and his resolve is that inspiring to everyone that sees it.


As the World Cup slowly approaches, US fans have to be both anxious for it to start and hopeful that time goes by slowly for Davies. Every passing day is one less for CD9 to train, and not matter how intent he is on returning to full strength sooner rather than later, only time can help him get back his old swagger. The United States doesn't just need Charlie Davies playing, it needs Charlie Davies playing and scoring, fully in charge of himself, his body, and his talent.


Charlie may fade from the general soccer news for a bit while he pushes towards April and his club return. We'll surely see a note when he heads to France, and may even hear a training report or two when he gets there. But it won't be until he steps onto a field for a match in full kit that we'll really be able to let our excitement run wild.


I can't wait.