Chivas USA D Burling undergoes ankle surgery

Dec 10, 2008 - 1:33 AM CARSON, California (Ticker) -- Chivas USA defender Bobby Burling underwent arthroscopic surgery on his injured left ankle Tuesday and is expected to be out of commission for six to eight weeks.

The operation was to remove bone spurs and loose bodies in the ankle. The team said he is expected to be fully recovered in time for the preseason, which begins in February.

The 24-year-old Burling, a former forward who has made a successful switch to defender, first joined Chivas USA as a developmental player in 2007. He played 20 games for the team in 2008, including 18 starts. He logged 1,659 minutes but did not record a point.

Burling played four years of collegiate ball at Loyola Marymount, where he registered 15 goals and 16 assists in 80 games.