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Diomande leaves LAFC due to 'personal issues'

LAFC forward Adama Diomande has entered Major League Soccer's substance abuse and behavioral health program.

MLS announced Diomande's voluntary decision on Friday and the 29-year-old won't play for LAFC at least until the program's doctors complete their evaluation and he is cleared by program officials.

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A league source told ESPN's Jeff Carlisle that Diomande is dealing with a personal situation that is not substance-related. The Los Angeles Times first reported the reason for Diomande entering the program.

The Norwegian scorer has eight goals and seven assists in 25 appearances this season, including 15 starts. He has played a valuable complementary offensive role alongside MLS' scoring leader Carlos Vela for the league's top point scorers.

Diomande is in his second MLS season after joining LAFC from Hull City. He also previously played under LAFC coach Bob Bradley in Norway.

LAFC (19-4-7) has clinched the Western Conference title and it leads the overall MLS table by seven points despite a four-game winless streak.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.

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