Eddie Johnson to miss at least three weeks for medical reasons

D.C. United has announced that forward Eddie Johnson will miss at least three weeks of preseason due to medical reasons, during which time he will be undergoing tests.

UPDATE: Eddie Johnson to miss 3 weeks of #DCUpreseason due to medical reasons. He will be undergoing medical tests during this time. #DCU

— D.C. United (@dcunited) January 23, 2015

EJ to miss the first 3 weeks of pre-season for medical testing. Told me last year he has an enlarged heart; related to that, I'd guess. #DCU

— Pablo Maurer (@MLSist) January 23, 2015

This is another blow to a strike corps that is already missing Fabian Espindola for the beginning of league play and now the status of Johnson is up in the air; Michael Seaton is also out for an extended period due to a knee injury suffered in the U20 World Cup qualifiers. Remember also that Johnson did not start the second playoff game last year and had to be hospitalized.

The move to pick up Jairo Arrieta now makes a lot more sense, as he and Luis Silva will look to start league play together. Luckily, Chris Rolfe and Chris Pontius are both available to play some forward, and they both cannot start at left wing. This may also play a role in United deciding whether or not to sign Andrew Driver or David Estrada. Regardless, I hope that Johnson gets well very soon.