Marquette freshman forward Trevor Mbakwe will miss the season with a left knee injury that will require surgery.

Mbakwe, a 6-7, 240-pounder from St. Paul, Minn., injured his knee in practice last week but coach Tom Crean said there may have been a pre-existing problem as well.

Mbakwe, who missed several weeks of pre-season practice while the NCAA Clearinghouse checked his academic eligibility, will redshirt this season and be a freshman next year.

The Golden Eagles are to play an exhibition game against Northern State on Sunday night at the Bradley Center.