Columbus Crew defender Vito Wormgoor undergoes surgery, out 4-6 months

The Columbus Crew will be without center back Vito Wormgoor for at least 4-6 months, as the Dutch defender underwent surgery on his right ankle Wednesday.

Wormgoor was recently sent home from the MLS is Back Tournament after being injured in the Crew’s 4-0 opening win over Hell is Real rivals FC Cincinnati. Wormgoor, 31, has started two games since joining Columbus last December and last featured for SK Brann in Norway’s top flight.

Without Wormgoor, head coach Caleb Porter turned to veteran Josh Williams and captain Jonathan Mensah during Columbus' 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on Thursday night. Axel Sjoberg, who was signed off waivers last offseason, and Homegrown standout Aboubacar Keita are other natural options at center back.

The Crew have already booked passage to the Knockout Rounds at the MLS is Back Tournament, and are now 3-0-1 on the year. They’ll wrap up Group E play next Tuesday against Atlanta United (8 pm ET | TUDN; TSN in Canada).