Portland Timbers center-back Gbenga Arokoyo will miss the entire 2017 season after tearing his Achilles tendon in training on Monday.
The MLS club confirmed on Tuesday that the 24-year-old will have surgery after rupturing the tendon in his left foot.
Arokoyo made only one appearance for the Timbers last season before suffering a groin injury, but he was a contender to start alongside Liam Ridgewell this season.
Portland did sign center-back Roy Miller from Saprissa earlier this month, but he won't join up with the team until soon before the season begins in March.
In the meantime, the Timbers can call upon Amobi Okugo and Rennico Clarke at center-back.