Clint Dempsey to Miss Rest of 2016 Season for Sounders

TUKWILA, Wash. (AP) — Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey will miss the remainder of the 2016 MLS season due to an irregular heartbeat that has sidelined him for more than a month.

Seattle general manger Garth Lagerwey announced the decision on Dempsey on Tuesday. Lagerwey said the main objective is to take away any pressure Dempsey may feel about trying to return this year and give him ample time to address his condition.

Seattle announced in late August that Dempsey would be out due to an irregular heartbeat revealed after a series of tests. Dempsey underwent an unspecified procedure and has been receiving treatment. He briefly returned to training about two weeks ago but was gone all of last week.

Lagerwey says the hope is Dempsey will be available for the start of the 2017 preseason.