BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – The Chicago Fire will be without the services of defender Eric Gehrig and goalkeeper Sean Johnson for the remainder of the 2015 season. Gehrig was diagnosed with a navicular stress fracture while Johnson has a labral tear of the left shoulder.



“It’s unfortunate to lose Sean and Eric at this point in the season, but these types of things happen in soccer,” said interim head coach Brian Bliss. “Both players have been battling through pain over the last few weeks and they’re tough guys, but it was important to us that we make sure they get a chance to heal up and be ready for the start of the 2016 season.”



Gehrig will have surgery on Friday, Sept. 25. The procedure will be performed by Dr. Simon Lee at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Gehrig started 25 games for the Fire in 2015, a new career best. He also recorded his second career assist, providing service to Jason Johnson for a 94th-minute equalizer in a 2-2 tie against the Columbus Crew at MAPFRE Stadium on May 22.



Johnson will not require surgery and will continue to train with the team on a limited basis. The six-year MLS veteran had 59 saves and four shutouts in his 21 games for the Fire in 2015.