D.C. United announced Saturday that Marcelo Gallardo and Gonzalo Peralta have undergone surgeries in Munich, Germany to repair sports hernias. Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck, a specialist who has performed this particular surgery on more than 1,000 professional soccer players worldwide, diagnosed both players with inguinal hernias. Dr. Muschaweck performed bi-lateral sports hernia repair on Gallardo on Friday and Saturday, while Peralta had surgery on the left abdominal wall on Friday. The recovery time for both players will take two to three weeks.
"We are pleased that surgeries for both Marcelo and Gonzalo were successful, and we look forward to a quick return for both players," said United General Manager Dave Kasper.
D.C. United acquired both Argentine players on January 28 of this year. Playmaker Gallardo has been crucial in leading United's attack since he joined the team. His four goals and three assists have helped take the Black-and-Red to a 7-7-1 record in the first half of the season. Prior to joining United, Gallardo spent many years in storied Argentine club River Plate and French clubs Monaco and Paris-Saint Germain.
Peralta has been a fixture in United's back line since joining the team in January. The defender has one goal this season in 13 games played (13 starts). Before coming to the Nation's Capital, Peralta played for Argentine Second Division club Almirante Brown since the 2004-05 campaign.
