Rapids defender Axel Sjoberg out at least 6-8 weeks after surgery

The Colorado Rapids have announced that center back Axel Sjoberg will miss at least 6-8 weeks after undergoing left hamstring surgery.

The 6-foot-6 Swede suffered the injury in this weekend's 1-0 loss at the New York Red Bulls. The Rapids said Sjoberg would be re-evaluated in 6-8 weeks, "at which time a further update will be provided."

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The news is a big blow to the Rapids, who were anchored by Sjoberg en route to having the league's stingiest defense in 2016. The Swede was named a finalist for the MLS Defender of the Year award.

“We are frustrated for Axel but we will give him our full support during his rehabilitation process,”Rapids sporting director Padraig Smith said in a club release. “Everyone at the club will be working hard to make sure he is back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

With Sjoberg out, Colorado will likely turn to a center-back partnership of Bobby Burling and Jared Watts.