Columbus Crew SC star Federico Higuain has been ruled out for 5-7 weeks after having hernia surgery on Thursday, the team announced.
Higuain, the brother of Napoli and Argentina star Gonzalo Higuain, had played nearly 90 minutes in each of Crew SC's matches this season before being forced off early in their 3-2 loss to Philadelphia Union on June 1.
The 31-year-old missed the team's 4-0 defeat of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in their U.S. Open cup matchup on Wednesday. He was replaced by Denmark international Emil Larsen in the lineup.
OFFICIAL: Higuain undergoes successful hernia surgery, to miss approx. 5-7 wks. #CrewSC
-> https://t.co/2AbadZbPXj pic.twitter.com/KiKuR0Yv5H
- Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) June 16, 2016
Higuain has contributed three goals and three assists so far this season, but won't be available again until at least the end of next month.
Crew SC reached the MLS Cup final against Portland last season, but have struggled thus far in 2016, occupying ninth place in the 10-team Eastern Conference.