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Portland Timbers defender Gbenga Arokoyo competes against the New York Red Bulls in a preseason game on January 27, 2017.

(Jamie Goldberg/Staff)

Portland Timbers defender Gbenga Arokoyo undergo surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon and will miss the 2017 MLS season as he recovers from the injury, the Timbers announced Tuesday.

Arokoyo suffered the injury after colliding with another player in training in Tucson, Arizona Monday.

The 24-year-old will undergo the surgery following further evaluation. Following the surgery, Arokoyo will conduct his rehabilitation at the Providence Sports Care Center at Providence Park.

Losing Arokoyo is a major blow to the Timbers.

Arokoyo was the favorite to start at center back alongside Liam Ridgewell this season. And the Timbers are not very deep at center back at the moment. Portland's other main options at center back include 21-year-old Rennico Clarke and veteran defender Roy Miller.

In light of Arokoyo's injury, the Timbers will look to sign another starting-caliber center back.

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com

503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg