WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United midfielder Dema Kovalenko underwent successful foot surgery Thursday afternoon, the club announced Thursday. Dr. Steven Haddad, a foot and ankle specialist at Northwestern University, performed a jones fracture fixation to the fifth metatarsal of the left foot. Kovalenko suffered the injury during a recent trip to his native Ukraine. Following the procedure, Kovalenko was placed in a cast, which will remain on his foot for four to six weeks. His rehabilitation process is expected to last two to three months.
"We are pleased with the outcome of today's surgery and look forward to having Dema 100% healthy and ready to start our season," said Dave Kasper, D.C. United Technical Director.
Kovalenko joined D.C. United from the Chicago Fire by way of a trade in December of 2002. Last season, he made 25 appearances for United, helping them to their fourth MLS Cup. He tallied two goals and ten assists in 2004, including four game-winning helpers. Kovalenko, a six-year veteran of Major League Soccer, was also named to the MLS Eastern All-Star squad that played at RFK Stadium in July.
Prior to arriving in the Nation's Capital, Kovalenko enjoyed four successful seasons with the Chicago Fire, registering 22 goals and 20 assists during his stay. He earned selections to the MLS All-Star Team in 2001 and 2002, scoring his first MLS All-Star goal in 2001. Kovalenko has also played professionally in Germany, with St. Pauli of the Bundesliga. Kovalenko attended Indiana University where he led the Hoosiers to the 1998 NCAA National Championship.
