The Colorado Rapids were dealt a critical blow a week before the start of their season.
On Tuesday, the club announced winger Braian Galván underwent successful surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in addition to damage to his medial and lateral meniscus. He will begin rehab soon, which will take place in Colorado.
Galván, 21, played a pivotal role on the wing last year and was expected to have an even bigger impact this year for head coach Robin Fraser.
He played 1,202 minutes in 24 appearances (14 starts) last year. He joined the club midway through the 2020 season. He has four goals and three assists in his time with the Rapids.
“This injury is a real blow for the club and Braian, who was coming off a strong 2021 and a fantastic start to preseason this year,” Rapids general manager Pádraig Smith said in statement released by the club.
“While we’re devastated for Braian, we’re pleased to hear the procedure went well. Given his determination, we expect Braian to make a full recovery and as he continues on his path to being a key part of the club’s future.”
It is unclear if the club moved the Argentine playmaker to the league-wide injury list, or the season-ending injury list. If he is placed on the latter, the Rapids will be able to get roster relief with a new player to compensate for Galván’s loss.
If Galván is placed on the season-ending Injury list, the club would not be able to remove him from the list at any point during the 2022 season. Galvan joined the club in 2020 from Club Atlético Colón in Argentina on a free transfer and has made a total of 35 appearances.
The Rapids will start the 2022 season at 5 p.m. next Thursday in Guatemala City, Guatemala, for the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 against Guatemalan champion Comunicaciones F.C.
