Real Salt Lake midfielder Pablo Ruiz could miss 4-6 months

Real Salt Lake midfielder Pablo Ruiz is likely to be sidelined for at least four months as he recovers from knee surgery.

Ruiz, 24, suffered the non-contact injury during last week’s 4-0 Leagues Cup loss at LAFC. He had surgery Friday on his right meniscus to repair his torn knee cartilage, RSL announced.

“This procedure repairs a severely-damaged meniscus in Pablo’s right knee,” RSL Senior Director of Athlete Health and Performance Theron Enns said in a news release. “The exact timeline for his return to the field will be determined later as his rehabilitation progresses, but typically this type of repair requires around four to six months to allow the necessary healing and return to full participation. Pablo has already begun his rehabilitation with our medical staff and we will update his progress as we enter the latter months of the season.”

Ruiz has been a key part of RSL’s recent success. The midfielder has four goals and nine assists across all competitions this season.

Real Salt Lake returns to league play on Sunday when the team visits the L.A. Galaxy.