Derby County and U.S. national team midfielder Benny Feilhaber underwent successful knee surgery on a torn meniscus in LA Monday, and is still hopeful of playing for his country at the Beijing Olympics in August.
“I had the surgery done yesterday and it was successful,” Feilhaber told Kevin Leyland. “I’m not sure yet how long it will take to rehab, but I assume I can be ready to train again [before the Olympics]. I would love to be ready, but I’m just gonna focus on getting better. If it is possible down the road to compete in the Olympics, then I will be very happy, but I don’t wanna get in over my head.”
The standard recovery time for a meniscus tear like Feilhaber’s is around four to six weeks. Even if he doesn’t make it, he’s optimistic about the team’s chances in China. “I think the U.S. has a very good team for the Olympics. [We have] many young players that have very big potential, and I think we will be a very tough team to beat in China. I think our goal has first to be out of the group and hopefully we can compete for a medal. A gold medal would be simply amazing.”