What's Happening?
The LA Galaxy's star midfielder, Riqui Puig, is set to miss his second consecutive season following a second surgery on his torn ACL. Puig, who initially injured his knee during the 2024 MLS Western Conference
final, had a setback in his recovery after returning to Spain for the holidays. Despite a productive offseason for the Galaxy, which included acquiring Jakob Glesnes and signing Justin Haak, Puig's absence is a significant blow. Last season, without Puig, the Galaxy experienced their worst performance in franchise history, winning only seven games. Puig, a product of Barcelona's La Masia academy, had career highs in goals and assists in 2024, making him an irreplaceable player for the team.
Why It's Important?
Puig's absence is a major setback for the LA Galaxy, impacting their performance and strategy. His contributions in 2024 were pivotal, and without him, the team's possession-based attack suffered significantly. The Galaxy's inability to replace Puig's influence on the field could lead to another challenging season. Financially, Puig's contract, one of the largest in MLS, adds pressure on the team to manage their roster effectively. The decision to potentially place Puig on the season-ending injury list could open up a designated player spot, allowing the Galaxy to explore other options to strengthen their squad.
What's Next?
The timeline for Puig's return will be determined post-surgery. The Galaxy must decide whether to place him on the season-ending injury list, which would free up a designated player spot. This decision will be crucial in shaping the team's strategy for the upcoming season. The Galaxy's management will need to assess their options and possibly seek additional reinforcements to compensate for Puig's absence. The team's performance in the upcoming season will depend heavily on how they adapt to this challenge and whether they can find a suitable replacement for Puig's role.
