Already struggling with the third lowest points-per-game average in MLS, the Columbus Crew SC will be without playmaker Federico HiguaÃn for 5-7 weeks after the Argentine Designated Player underwent successful hernia surgery on Thursday, the club announced.
HiguaÃn has been limited to three goals and three assists while starting all 13 MLS games this season after a 2015 campaign in which he produced 9 goals and 11 assists in 37 games in MLS regular-season and playoff action, helping Columbus reach the MLS Cup final. The 31-year-old had played at least 87 minutes in every Crew SC game this season until he was replaced after 74 minutes at Philadelphia on June 1 in his most recent game with Columbus facing a 2-1 deficit.
Danish international Emil Larsen started in HiguaÃn's attacking midfield spot in a 4-0 Columbus win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies in US Open Cup play on Wednesday night, but Columbus only dressed 16 players due to injuries.
In addition to HiguaÃn, SB Nation site Massive Report reported that midfielder Mohammed Saeid is trying to recover from a broken vertebrae in his back suffered in that June 1 game.
Columbus, 1-2-3 in their last 6 MLS games, will host Montreal on Saturday (7:30pm ET, MLS LIVE).
