Surgery sidelines Galaxy defender Sean Franklin

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Sean Franklin, the Galaxy defender from Cal State Northridge who was selected Major League Soccer’s Rookie of the Year in 2008, will return from Germany on Thursday after undergoing surgery to repair a bilateral sports hernia.

The procedure was performed in Munich by Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck, but it was not clear whether Franklin had time to check in with Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan, now playing for Bayern Munich on loan until March.

Franklin, 23, had been training with the U.S. national team for Saturday afternoon’s game against Sweden at the Home Depot Center when the injury occurred. He is expected to be fully fit for the Galaxy’s MLS season opener on March 22, when he could be back in his favored position at right back.

In 2008, Franklin filled in at center back and played in 27 games, starting 26.

--Grahame L. Jones