Borchers undergoes surgery, set for interrupted preseason preparation

Nat Borchers may be set for an extended spell on the sidelines after he successfully underwent a procedure to repair a persistent tendon injury, RSL sources confirmed today.

Borchers, who has had a persistent issue with a torn tendon in his quad since late 2011, underwent the surgery after unresponsive rehabilitation efforts in December. As such, the player's preseason preparations will be interrupted.

Ives Galarcep of Soccer By Ives initially reported on the injury today.

I’m hearing RSL defender Nat Borchers will be sidelined 3 months after having surgery. Could affect RSL draft strategy. #RSL

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) January 16, 2013

With Borchers out for the start of the season, the expectation is not actually that Real Salt Lake's draft strategy will change (as speculated by Ives), as the club is well-stocked in the center back department. Chris Schuler and Kwame Watson-Siriboe are likely to be the center back pairing that starts the season, with newcomers Aaron Maund and Carlos Salcedo also capable in the position.

Lovel Palmer, expected to serve primarily as a backup to Tony Beltran at right back, and starting left back Chris Wingert are both options in the center of defense should significant injuries strike the squad.