Kansas City Wizards midfielder Preki. the MVP of the 20o03 MLS season, suffered a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle in his left leg during an exhibition match against the Columbus Crew in Tampa on Saturday morning.
Preki left the game in the 15th minute and was taken to a nearby hospital. He underwent surgery Saturday afternoon and is expected to miss 3-4 months.
Preki suffered the injury in the 15th minute after trying to avoid a challenge from Columbus midfielder Ross Paule, who was sliding in toward a ball at PrekiÆs feet. Preki jumped in the air to avoid a collision, but landed awkwardly on the ground and his left leg gave out causing him to tumble to the ground.
In 2003, Preki led MLS in scoring (12 goals and 17 assists for 41 points) for the second time in his career.