Portland Timbers midfielder David Ayala sidelined with knee surgery
By Chris Smith
The Portland Timbers have announced they'll be without midfielder David Ayala for around two months following successful surgery on his right knee (arthroscopic debridement).
Ayala's surgery was conducted by Dr Rich Edelson, and the player will now begin rehab at the Providence Sports Care Center.
The 20-year-old is going into his second season in Major League Soccer after arriving at Providence Park from Argentine Primera Division side Estudiantes ahead of the 2022 campaign.
Ayala has played 22 times for the Timbers so far across all competitions, proving a key defensive pillar in midfield with an average of five combined tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes in MLS play - only Claudio Bravo (6.82) and George Fochive (6.67) averaged more at the club.
With Ayala - a 19-time international across various youth levels with Argentina - sidelined, the midfield mantle falls to club captain Diego Chara, alongside United States international Eryk Williamson and newly-signed Designated Player Evander. Cristhian Paredes is another senior option.
The Timbers are looking to return to the MLS Cup Playoffs after finishing eighth in the Western Conference last season. Giovanni Savarese's men open the 2023 campaign at home to Sporting Kansas City on February 25.