San Jose Earthquakes Designated Player Matias Perez Garcia out 4 to 6 weeks after suffering torn meniscus

The San Jose Earthquakes attacking corps suffered another blow as it was learned that Matias Perez Garcia suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee. A team spokesperson confirmed that the newly minted Designated Player will undergo arthroscopic surgery later today and is expected to be out 4 to 6 weeks.

Perez Garcia joined the Quakes on July 31 on a three-and-a-half year contract following his transfer from Argentina Primera League side Club Atletico Tigre. He has made two starts for the Earthquakes since his arrival and notched one goal. He suffered the knee injury in the first half of San Jose's 5-0 loss against FC Dallas last Saturday, the largest margin of defeat for the club in the MLS era.

The 29-year-old Argentinean underwent an extensive medical evaluation prior to signing with the Earthquakes, according to a team spokesperson. MRI done at that time indicated no preexisting knee issues. It would appear that Perez Garcia's injury was very much a case of bad timing for the new Quakes' DP.

The loss of Perez Garcia leaves the Earthquakes very thin at the forward position. Yannick Djalo, on loan from Benfica, is listed as doubtful for tonight's match at the Seattle Sounders and is unlikely to play on CenturyLink's artificial surface. Steven Lenhart, who underwent right knee surgery on August 1, is not expected back in training until mid-September. And with Alan Gordon traded to the LA Galaxy last week further diminishing the ranks, the Quakes have called second-year target forward Adam Jahn back from loan at Sacramento Republic FC.

One possible replacement for Perez Garcia in the Quakes lineup is rookie homegrown signing Tommy Thompson. The just turned 19-year-old made his home debut against FC Dallas on Saturday, playing the last 18 minutes of the match and impressing the sold-out Buck Shaw Stadium crowd with his ability. Thompson played as a second forward during his substitute performance and would be a natural complement to Chris Wondolowski in the Earthquakes starting eleven.