Crew defender Gaston Sauro out 4-5 months with knee injury

Columbus Crew defender Gaston Sauro has been ruled out for 4-5 months of action after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee last weekend during his team's 0-0 draw against Toronto FC.

"It's not the best news," Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter said, according to Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch. "I think he'll be back, but we'll plan on a good four or five months here. That's life. Every team goes through something like this. It's unfortunate, but it's our sport."

His absence will certainly be felt, not only on the field but on the bottom line, as the Argentine central defender makes $601,000 per year with the Crew.

In his stead, midfielder Rodrigo Saravia may be used as a defender, as Berhalter placed the rookie directly into the back four after Sauro's injury.