Atlanta United left-back Mikey Ambrose will miss three-to-four months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, the team announced Monday.
Ambrose, 24, was injured on July 25 while playing for Atlanta United's USL team.
Ambrose has played in nine games this season, including eight starts, and chipped in the first two assists of his career for MLS-leading Atlanta. He has played in 21 games (14 starts) over three years at the MLS level.
Chris McCann, who has started the last four games at left-back, will likely remain there long term with Greg Garza still a few months away from returning after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum.
The situation at the position has gotten so dire, in fact, that United were forced to add 16-year-old George Bello to their 18-man gameday roster for Saturday's 2-2 draw against Toronto FC.
Atlanta (48 points) sits four points clear of both New York teams for the most points in MLS, but the Red Bulls have two games at hand, while New York City FC has one.
Atlanta doesn't play again until Aug. 19, when it will host Columbus, the East's fourth-place team.