TORONTO -- PSV Eindhoven has confirmed that midfielder Atiba Hutchinson, a key member of the Canadian squad in its World Cup qualifying bid, is having knee problems again.
"The medical staff of PSV is making some tests at the hospital," a club spokesman said in an email to The Canadian Press. "Then we will know for sure if he will need another operation. We will know more shortly."
The 28-year-old from Brampton, Ont., had surgery after injuring his knee playing for Canada in the Gold Cup in June. He's made just one appearance for the Dutch side this season.
Canadian midfielder Josh Simpson said losing Hutchinson would be "a big blow."
"I think of Atiba as our top player," Simpson said on a conference call Thursday. "It's unfortunate for him but I hope he can do everything he can to get himself fit and of course we're going to need him in the next round."
Hutchinson played 69 minutes in Canada's 4-1 win over St. Lucia in the team's opening World Cup qualifying game on Sept. 2 in Toronto, but didn't play in Canada's 3-0 victory at Puerto Rico four days later as coach Stephen Hart managed his minutes.
Canada is currently in the second stage of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.
The Canadians next play at St. Lucia on Oct. 7 and then host Puerto Rico on Oct. 11 at BMO Field in Toronto.
Should Canada advance, the next round of qualifying is expected to run from June to October, 2012.
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