Seattle Sounders Striker O'Brian White Has Second Surgery To Remove Blood Clot

Somewhat lost in the euphoria of the Sounders 6-2 thumping of the Columbus Crew this afternoon is a bit of very bad news; Seattle forward O'Brian White has undergone surgery to remove a blood clot from his leg, the second such procedure this season. The underlying issue causing the blockages was thought to have been addressed and White was removed from the disabled list on July 12th, but news of a setback first emerged after the Sounders 0-0 draw against Chivas USA two weeks ago and the club announced that the procedure had been performed shortly before the kickoff of this afternoon's game.

This is obviously not good news as it would seem to imply that the doctors treating White were incorrect in their initial diagnosis. Given that White is likely seeing some of the best doctors in the region in hopes of addressing the problem, it seems reasonable to believe that whatever it is that is leading to the problems with White's arteries is a very complex issue indeed. White made his return to action as a substitute in the Sounders friendly loss to Manchester United and later appeared in a game with the Sounders reserves. Before undergoing the initial procedure White had found his groove with Seattle and looked to be an excellent off-season acquisition.

Though the club did not rule out a return this season, given the recovery time involved after the last procedure such a thing would seem highly unlikely. At this point the concern is less about White coming back this year and more about the future of his career as a professional soccer player. It's just simply not safe for someone with such a condition to play competitively and if doctors are unable to get a handle on things it could mean a premature end to White's playing days. Here's hoping it doesn't come to that; he showed a great deal of promise before his condition forced him to the disabled list and for such a young player to be cut down just as their career was getting started would be truly heartbreaking.

Seattle Sounders Forward O'Brian White Suffers Setback In Return From Surgery To Remove Blood Clot

Seattle Sounders forward O'Brian White has suffered a setback in his recovery from surgery to remove a blood clot and was unavailable for action this afternoon in the Sounders 0-0 draw to Chivas USA. There are no details regarding the significance of the setback nor is there any updated timetable for the striker's return available at present. White returned to action in the Sounders' friendly loss to Manchester United and had previously been easing his way back into the lineup.

Whatever the case with White, it cannot be seen as good news for a Sounders side that has yet to upgrade at the forward spot with the transfer window drawing ever closer to snapping shut. Seattle has been on a solid run of form that had some questioning the need for the Sounders to sign an attacking player to fill their final designated player spot but recent scoring troubles coupled with White's renewed injury troubles make the Sounders situation significantly more dire.

That pales in comparison the White's predicament; after seemingly overcoming an affliction that might have proved fatal, White is once again faced with an uncertain future. If the setback is minor and a question of fitness, White's recovery will have reached just a minor bump in the road. If instead it is a recurrence of the blood clot that sidelined White in the first place, it's likely that the treatment that all parties seemed to think was working was instead just a temporary solution that will force the Sounders medical team back to square one. In any case, this is terrible news for the big striker who finally seemed to be finding his place in MLS this season. Here's to hoping this is just a blip on the road to recovery.

Seattle Sounders Striker O'Brian White Removed From Disabled List, Eligible To Play On Saturday

In yet another good bit of injury news for the Seattle Sounders, striker O'Brian White has been removed from the disabled list and is eligible to play as soon as Saturday. While the team has not said when he will be available for action and it's highly unlikely that he's anywhere close to 90 minute fit, White's inclusion in the 18 against the Colorado Rapids would not be shocking by any means though next Wednesday's friendly against Manchester United seems a more likely target for return to game action.

White struggled to make an impact early in the season but was beginning to become one of the Sunders more consistent threats when he was forced to undergo emergency surgery to remove a blood clot shortly after the Sounders 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids on April 22nd. The extent of time that White missed was less an issue of recovery time from the surgery and more due to the use of blood thinners to prevent further clotting and an inability to diagnose and treat the underlying condition.

Considering that there were some concerns about whether White would be able to return this season (or in some cases whether he would be able to return to playing at all) his return is fantastic news for a Sounders team whose schedule is about to get significantly more congested with Concacaf Champions League play about to begin. While the Sounders are widely rumored to be prepared to use their final Designated Player slot on a forward during the upcoming transfer window, the Sounders will need quality depth at the striker position if they hope to make yet another US Open Cup run and advance past the group stage of CCL play.

O'Brian White Injury Healing Nicely; Seattle Sounders Forward Jogs At Practice

It's rare to view jogging as a significant step forward, but for Seattle Sounders strike O'Brian White, that's the case. White was diagnosed with a potentially serious blood clot in his knee right around the same time Steve Zakuani went down with his season-ending broken ankle sustained in the Colorado Rapids game. White's injury was a bit of a slippery slope as doctors worked to diagnose the problem and put together a long-term plan to allow White to get back on the field for the Sounds.

Sounder at Heart had the news on White, as well as quotes from Sigi Schmid on the timetable for White's return. While Tuesday's developments were encouraging, White still has a long way to go, and there's no guarantee the clotting problem has been solved.

"They have got to see how he does with a little bit of activity, make sure that there is no coagulation that has taken place and things like that and then they can decide to push him further," said Schmid, noting White has a nasty looking scar on his leg. "It’s a definite step forward. The first stage was biking and he suffered no setbacks so today it was walking and jumping a little bit and we’ll see how he responds to that. Maybe light jogging is in his future in the next couple of days."

There's still no timetable on his return, and White may be out until July or longer. With only Nate Jaqua as the only option at target forward, Schmid has been forced to experiment tactically as he moves away from his typical formation. The Sounders are razor-thin at the holding forward spot, and White's return is anxiously awaited by supporters and players alike.

For more on White and the Sounders, head over to SB Nation's Sounder at Heart.

Seattle Sounders Forward O'Brian White Out Indefinitely After Surgery To Remove Blood Clot In Knee

Seattle Sounders striker O'Brian White is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot from his knee. From the team issued press release:

 

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC announced today that forward O'Brian White underwent surgery on Wednesday in Seattle to remove a blood clot in his left leg.

 

A vascular specialist performed the surgery at Virginia Mason Medical Center, where White will remain for several days. He will be out of action indefinitely.

 

White, 25, started the first seven matches this season and is the team's co-leader with two goals. He also has two assists.

The announcement of White's injury comes just six days after Sounders winger Steve Zakuani was lost for the season after having his leg broken by Colorado Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan. The injuries will force coach Sigi Schmid to make some difficult tactical and personnel changes in the days and weeks to come.