COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced that defender Milton Valenzuela underwent successful Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction on his right knee on Thursday and is expected to be sidelined for approximately nine to 12 months. The procedure, to address the injury suffered in preseason training, was performed in Columbus by Doctor Scott Van Steyn.

Valenzuela, 20, spent the 2018 season with the Black & Gold on loan from Argentina side Newell’s Old Boys before joining Crew SC on a permanent transfer on December 21, 2018. In his first season in MLS, Valenzuela made 30 regular-season appearances (29 starts), while scoring one goal and providing six assists, including two game-winning assists. Prior to joining the Crew, Valenzuela made 15 appearances (12 starts) for Newell’s Old Boys from 2015-2017.

Crew SC’s preseason continues with the Black & Gold traveling to Charleston, South Carolina on Wednesday, February 13 to participate in the 2019 Carolina Challenge Cup. The Black & Gold begin the 2019 regular season at home and will face the defending Supporters’ Shield winners, the New York Red Bulls, at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2 at MAPFRE Stadium. 2019 Season Ticket Memberships, Partial Plans and 4-Pack Plus Plans are now on sale with additional information available via ColumbusCrewSC.com.