Updated

New England Revolution defender Kevin Alston has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the team, the club announced on Monday.

Alston was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, a rare but treatable form of leukemia, and will be away from the team in order to undergo treatment.

Alston, 24, is not excepted to be hospitalized and does expect to return to the team at some point in the future.

"The Revolution fully supports Kevin as he begins treatment," Revolution general manager Michael Burns said. "Right now, the most important thing for Kevin, and his family, is to concentrate on returning to full health. Kevin's had a tremendous attitude since the diagnosis and his positivity is an inspiration for all of us."

Alston has started all four of the Revs' games this season at left back. In his career, he has started all 116 games in which he's played since New England drafted him 10th overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft out of Indiana University.

He ranks ninth on the Revs' career charts in games played, and eighth in games started. Alston also started the 2010 MLS All-Star Game.