Los Angeles Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez will be out seven to nine months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee.
Gonzalez had surgery Friday in Los Angeles.
The injury leaves the Galaxy without the player voted MLS' top defender last season after he helped Los Angeles claim the league title. The 23-year-old Gonzalez is the youngest player to win the award.
Gonzalez was injured while on loan to FC Nuremberg of the Bundesliga last week, getting hurt on his first day of training with the club on a trip to Turkey.
Gonzalez has twice been selected to MLS' Best XI while starting 87 games over the past three seasons with the Galaxy.
Gonzalez will begin rehabilitation later this month. Los Angeles opens defense of its title in March.
