Written by
The Sports Network
Portland, OR (Sports Network) - Portland Timbers forward Jose Adolfo Valencia
will undergo surgery to repair damaged cartilage in his left knee and will be
sidelined six to 12 months.
Valencia was acquired on loan from Colombian first-division side Independiente
Santa Fe as a Young Designated Player, but after an MRI showed the damage, the
terms of his deal were amended.
The 20-year-old will stay with the Timbers this season, but he will not count
as a Young Designated Player and be placed on the Disabled List, meaning he is
not counted against the team's international player allotment, either.
"Our No. 1 priority is ensuring the long-term physical health of Jose. We are
pleased to have worked with his former club in Colombia on amended terms of
his transfer, considering the circumstances," said Gavin Wilkinson, general
manager of the Timbers.
"We are very committed to Jose as a person and as a player, and intend to
return to the original terms of his transfer agreement when he returns to full
health following rehabilitation."
Valencia was originally signed in December. He will have surgery Monday.
"We feel strongly about our long-term commitment to Jose and see him as a big
part of the future success of this team," Wilkinson said.
The Sports Network