Atlanta United suffer defensive blow after center-back undergoes knee surgery
- Stian Gregersen will miss the next few weeks after undergoing knee surgery
- The 28-year-old started in Atlanta's first three games of the season
- Gonzalo Pineda will look to lean on Luis Abram and Derrick Williams in Gregersen's absence
Atlanta United center-back Stian Gregersen is set to miss the next few weeks after undergoing surgery to repair an injury to his left meniscus.
Gregersen was finally coming into form at his new club after Atlanta during the winter transfer window from Ligue 2 club Bordeaux for roughly $2m. The Norway international started Atlanta's first three games to the season and sustained the knee injury in his side's 2-0 triumph over Orlando City on March 17.
Atlanta confirmed earlier this week that Gregersen's surgery was successful and that the 28-year-old will miss the next three-to-four weeks.
During that time, the Five Stripes will square off against Chicago Fire on March 31, New York City FC on April 6 and Philadelphia Union on April 14. Gregersen could target a return to the pitch for Atlanta's April 20 clash with FC Cincinnati, but that may be too soon and he could instead suit up for the return fixture against the Fire on April 27.
Atlanta boss Gonzalo Pineda will look to lean on Noah Cobb, Luis Abram and Derrick Williams in the meantime to hold down the backline while Gregersen recovers.
The Five Stripes, who fell to Toronto FC 2-0 last time out, return to action this Sunday to play host to Chicago Fire at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.