Larrys Mabiala and Dario Zuparic to miss 2022 MLS opener

Portland Timbers players Larrys Mabiala and Dario Zuparic are likely to miss the opening of the 2022 Major League Soccer season after each undergoing surgery. 

The pair recently had successful procedures done to repair sports hernias. The club confirmed on Friday that the two may be out for approximately six weeks following the treatment. 

Mabiala and Zuapric, who played a significant role in the Timbers’ successful 2021 season are expected to miss at least the first match of 2022 as Portland kicks off on February 26 when hosting Supporters’ Shield champions New England Revolution. 

In 2021, Mabiala and Zuparic combined to make 57 regular-season appearances and stood as head coach Giovanni Savarese's first-choice duo throughout their run to Portland's third MLS Cup final.

Zuparic developed the hernia last season, according to the club, and opted for surgery after initially trying to recover through rest and treatment. Mabiala's hernia became a problem this week, the club said.

While Savarese may have to alter the roster, this is nothing new for the team as they dealt with double-digit injury absences at times while playing MLS and Concacaf Champions League. 

This season, however, they will not form part of the Concacaf Champions League after failing to defeat New York City FC in the Major League Soccer Cup final.