In what could prove to be a massive blow for both Los Angeles Football Club and the Costa Rican national team, forward Marco Urena will undergo surgery on Friday to repair facial fractures suffered in Sunday's win over the Seattle Sounders, the club announced on Tuesday.
Urena currently leads Major League soccer with five assists and has played a major role in LAFC's strong start to the club's first ever season.
Despite not having scored a goal to this point, Urena has started all seven matches for the expansion side, which has picked up five wins in that span and currently sits second in the Western Conference.
While the 28-year-old missing time in MLS play will be a hindrance to Bob Bradley's side, his availability for Costa Rica at this summer's World Cup is also very much in question.
Urena played a major part in helping Los Ticos earn their place in Russia.
U.S. national team fans will likely never forget his double in a 2-0 win against Bruce Arena's side at Red Bull Arena, and he backed that performance up with the only goal for his side in a 1-1 draw against Mexico four days later.
LAFC's press release states that Urena will be re-evaluated in four weeks, leaving a very tight time-line for him to find fitness ahead of the competition in Russia.
Urena reportedly suffered in the injury in a clash with Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei, with the club confirming that the injury happened in the first half.
Despite the injury, the Costa Rican stayed on the pitch and played the full 90 minutes, with LAFC taking a dramatic late win after a Frei mistake deep into stoppage time in the club's first home match at Banc of California Stadium.
