SkySports is reporting that Canadian international and PSV Eindhoven midfielder Atiba Hutchinson might have to undergo knee surgery, his second operation since getting injured during last June's CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Hutchinson went under the knife about three months ago, and just returned to action with PSV prior to the recent international break. The 28-year-old was a surprise inclusion in Stephen Hart's roster for Canada's first two World Cup qualifying matches, after Hart had stated numerous times that he expected to be without his star central midfielder for at least the beginning stages of the current round of WCQ.
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It seems as though Hutchinson was brought back into the national team fold too soon, as he re-aggravated the injury in Canada's match versus St. Lucia in Toronto in September 2, and did not participate in game at Puerto Rico four days later.
It's safe to say that Hutchinson will not be called upon for the next two matches for Canada -- Oct. 7 at St. Lucia and Oct. 11 versus Puerto Rico at BMO Field -- and if he has to undergo another surgery, he likely won't be seen by Canadian supporters until next year.
Rudi Schuller contributes Toronto FC and Canadian national team content to the 24th Minute. He manages the Euro File here at Canadian Soccer News, and is MLSsoccer.com's beat writer for all things concerning Canada's men's national teams. Follow Rudi on Twitter, @RudiSchuller.