LA Galaxy striker Edson Buddle is set to be sidelined for up to six weeks.
The 31-year old had surgery on his injured knee on Monday and will now go about getting back to full fitness with a return date set for in between three and six weeks from now.
It is a major blow for the already struggling Galaxy - currently at the bottom of the Western Conference table - who are without leading scorer Robbie Keane while he represents Republic of Ireland at Euro2012.
In addition to Buddle's injury, the Galaxy have also confirmed that New Zealand midfielder Dan Keat will be out for up to six weeks because of a knee injury.