Minnesota United has been hit by their first major injury of the season. Central midfielder Greg Jordan had a surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee and is unlikely to return for the 2016 season. Jordan had a successful procedure on Tuesday in Chicago.
The midfield stalwart first felt discomfort in his knee at the end of March during the week leading up to the season opener against the Carolina RailHawks. After meeting with trainers, Jordan played through the injury. He went the full 90 minutes in the match, with 55 touches and completing 79.5% of his passes.
The following week, Jordan’s knee felt worse. He has not been rostered for a game since United’s season opener. He continued to train with the team the past few weeks, going through warmups and stationary passing drills. However, when the team ran situation drills, Jordan would be found on the sideline – either running laps or pedaling a stationary bike.
Sources said the team had two options for the midfielder. They could see how he progressed, having him play week-to-week or complete the surgery and start his rehabilitation program. The decision was made difficult because Jordan brings a tenacity to the midfield which is tough to replicate. While it’s likely he would have been close to 100% with injections, it’s also possible that putting off the surgery could have had a negative impact on his long-term health. Always a competitor, Jordan does profile as a player fighting for a spot on the inaugural MLS roster.
While United may be better with Jordan in the starting XI, the recent form of Jeb Brovsky’s equally solid play and grit, as well as Ibson’s return from his own injury, may have helped the team to make a decision to move forward with the surgery. With the never-ending motor of Juliano Vicentini, the “double 6” midfield is still fieldable.
The team has also brought in Nottingham Forest academian Jack Blake who started training with the team the week prior to Minnesota’s home opener. If they offer the Englishman a contract, Blake profiles to fill a 6 or an 8 slot in the central midfield.
Always a fan favorite, it may be disheartening for supporters to see Jordan miss extended time. However, the surgery will minimize the long-term impact on Jordan’s career. The defensive midfielder is expected to make a full recovery and may see the field again during the final month of the season.
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