Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Matias Laba suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Saturday’s loss to the New England Revolution, the club confirmed Tuesday.
The Argentine crumpled to the turf in Foxboro, Mass., in the first half before being subbed off for Andrew Jacobson in the 29th minute.
Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said after the match Laba’s injury didn’t look good, and those fears were confirmed following tests.
The 25-year designated player is expected to undergo surgery within the next two weeks and will be out until next spring.
"Mati is an important member of the club and we wish him a speedy recovery," Robinson said in a statement. "Our priority now is to support Mati and help him get back on the field as soon as possible.
"It’s a big loss for us, but we have confidence in our group as we enter the final third of the season."
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