Houston Dynamo defender Eric Brunner underwent surgery on his right ankle, it was announced today.

Brunner had surgery to remove loose bodies in his right ankle. The procedure was performed by Dr. Kevin Varner of Houston Methodist, the foot and ankle surgeon of the Dynamo. The injury was originally sustained in the final preseason game against the Charleston Battery on March 1. Approximate recovery time for Brunner is expected to be eight weeks.

Brunner, 28, was a key part of Houston’s run to the Eastern Conference Championship last season. The Dublin, Ohio native started all five playoff games as the Dynamo defeated the Montreal Impact and New York Red Bulls before falling to Sporting Kansas City. Brunner has appeared in 97 regular season games in seven MLS seasons and helped the Columbus Crew win the Supporters’ Shield in 2009.