Josef Martinez will begin rehab on his right knee. (Photo courtesy of MLS)

Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez Wednesday underwent successful surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Martinez was injured during Atlanta’s MLS season-opening win against Nashville SC on Feb. 29.

He will return to Atlanta to begin his rehabilitation that will be led by the United medical team and doctors from Piedmont Healthcare.

Atlanta did not say when Martinez would return to the lineup, although at last word the team was hopeful he could return later this season.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.