Howard faces surgery after football season-ending injury

The Colorado Rapids said in a statement Howard would face an operation to repair a fractured right adductor in the upper groin.

The injury and operation is expected to leave Howard sidelined for up to four months, meaning he will miss the Rapids' bid for glory in the Major League Soccer post-season.

Howard was hurt while taking a goal kick in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Mexico last Friday in Columbus, Ohio.

The former Everton goalkeeper collapsed to the turf after the goalkick and was replaced by Brad Guzan a few minutes later.