Colorado's Boateng sidelined with broken back

The Colorado Rapids will be without Nana Boateng for 8-to-10 weeks after the Ghanaian midfielder fractured three lumbar vertebrae during Saturday's 2-1 home defeat against Real Salt Lake.

Colorado confirmed the news with a statement on its website Monday, adding that surgery will not be required for the 22-year-old Manchester City academy product.

Boateng, who joined Pablo Mastroeni's lot in January after failing to secure a senior-side appearance with City, landed heavily after an aerial challenge with Salt Lake's Luke Mulholland.

The slick passing defensive mid did not immediately exit the match, registering his first MLS assist on the opening tally from Kevin Doyle before exiting three minutes later for debutant Mohammed Saeid.

"This is unfortunate timing for Nana," club sporting director Padraig Smith said. "He has acclimated quickly to the team and the altitude, and was beginning to show the talent and forward drive we identified when bringing him to the club."

"While this is a blow to the team, it highlights the need for roster depth," Smith added. "And we have two top-level players in Saeid and (Dillon) Powers, who can both slot in and play the No. 8 role while Nana recuperates."