Stress fracture sidelines Edu for three months

Philadelphia Union midfielder Maurice Edu will be out for a minimum of three months due to a stress fracture in his leg, Coach Jim Curtin revealed at his weekly press conference earlier today.

Curtin on Mo: "We will be losing Maurice Edu for a significant amount of time. Out a minimum of 3 months time. Big blow on foundation."

— Marisa Pilla (@UnionMarisa) March 9, 2016

The 29-year-old missed all of preseason and the season opener due to a stress reaction that he sustained during rehab from an October groin surgery. Further X-rays have determined that the stress reaction in his leg is a more serious stress fracture.

Edu, who began both of the last two seasons in midfield before being forced back into defense, was set to be the club's starting defensive midfielder this season. Now, the Union will struggle to replace him.

Brian Carroll is the most experienced defensive midfielder on the roster, but at 34, he can't be counted on to cover the requisite amount of ground. Warren Creavalle is another option, though he's a certain step down in quality from Edu. Vincent Nogueira could also be asked to fill in at defensive midfielder despite that not being his best position.