CHANTILLY, Va., Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Already having missed the 2001 Major League Soccer season, D.C. United midfielder Ben Olsen
will undergo further surgery on his right ankle, the team announced Thursday.
Olsen will endure a third operation on his ankle Friday morning. The procedure will be performed by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Mark Myerson at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.
"Ben is really working hard to be back in the lineup as quickly as possible," United assistant coach Curt Onalfo said. "We are optimistic that this procedure will allow Ben full recovery and
that he'll resume full training with our club in February."
Olsen required additional surgery due to tendinitis, which is expected to delay his return to training until early February.
The United States international originally sustained the injury while playing for Nottingham Forest of the English First Division.
Olsen, who has three goals and an assist in 18 appearances for the U.S. National Team, was named the 1999 MLS Cup final MVP after scoring the winner for United. The 24-year-old collected
10 goals and 22 assists in 72 matches for his club from 1998-2000.
