Flyers’ Forsberg May Be Out Until January

PHILADELPHIA —  Flyer center Peter Forsberg needs surgery to repair ligament problems in both of his ankles, injuries that will force him to miss the start of the season and could sideline him until January.

“Unfortunately, they’re going to have to do something about it if I’m going to play at the level I want to be playing at,” Forsberg said Wednesday.

Forsberg said he would have surgery on his right ankle early next week and the left ankle will be repaired when the right one has healed.

Forsberg, who had 19 goals and 75 points in his first season in Philadelphia, said after the Flyers were eliminated from the playoffs that he would probably need surgery on his right ankle that could prevent him from starting next season on time.

It turned out to be much worse.

Forsberg has loose ligaments in his ankles that were more uncomfortable than painful. The condition affected his balance, put added stress on his legs and made it difficult to keep his right foot in his skate.

“It’s going to be hard. It’s going to be a lot of rehab,” he said. “When I come back, it’s going to be so much better.”