Philadelphia Union's Maurice Edu ruled out with leg fracture

The Philadelphia Union's 2016 campaign just took a massive hit as the club announced Wednesday that versatile veteran Maurice Edu will be out for a minimum of three months with a leg fracture.

Union gaffer Jim Curtin verified the injury during Wednesday's news conference, conceding that the 29-year-old U.S. international will be out for an extended spell.

"We will be losing Maurice Edu for a significant amount of time ... there's a fracture there, he'll be out a minimum of three months."

Edu, who joined the Union before the start of last season, made 31 starts for the club as a centre-half, with Curtin hoping to use the former Rangers standout in a defensive midfield role this season.

The leg fracture is yet another obstacle in a career that was once destined for greatness. First overall selection in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft and the subsequent Rookie of the Year with Toronto FC, Edu's pro career started in fine form.

That success translated into a switch to Scottish giants Rangers the following season before a move to Stoke City four years later signaled a significant move for one of the U.S.'s best.

Unfortunately for the University of Maryland product, the move to the Britannia Stadium was anything but, and with a solitary appearance for the Potters under Tony Pulis, Edu was sent on loan to Bursaspor before a move back to the MLS.

In light of Edu's long-term spell on the sidelines, Curtin will likely opt for veteran Brian Carroll or Warren Creavalle to slot in alongside Vincent Nogueira in the defensive midfield roles.