Sassano and Nielsen undergo successful surgeries

Red Bull New York announced that midfielders Luke Sassano and Brian Nielsen underwent successful surgeries earlier today.

Sassano had a right ankle reconstruction procedure, which was performed by Dr. David Levine at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He will be sidelined for 4-6 months. Sassano, a third-year player who has featured in three games this season, will be placed on the team’s Season-Ending Injury List.

Nielsen had surgery to repair bony cartilage damage in his right knee in a procedure performed by Dr. Riley Williams at the Hospital for Special Surgery today. The Danish midfielder, who is already on the club’s Disabled List, will miss five months. Nielsen has played in two games in 2010 after being signed on loan from Vejle Boldklub earlier this season.

New York is next in action on Sunday, August 8, when it travels to Chicago to take on the Fire at TOYOTA Park at 9:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes; Radio: WQBU 92.7 FM). The club returns home on Aug. 11, hosting Toronto FC at Red Bull Arena at 7:30 PM (TV: MSG; Radio: WQBU 92.7 FM). For tickets, call 1-877-RBSOCCER or CLICK HERE.