Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Purple Bulls are set to outline the winner of the MLS 2024 season on Saturday on the Dignity Well being Sports activities Park. Nonetheless, the aspect from the state of California have been dealt a major blow after group star Riqui Puig suffered a extreme damage, sidelining him for the sport.
As LA Galaxy studies, the Spanish midfielder Riqui Puig sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee within the playoffs recreation in opposition to Seattle Sounders.
The membership confirmed that the quantity 10 will endure surgical procedure, ruling him out for the ultimate recreation in opposition to New York RB. The group additionally reported that the participant suffered the damage within the second half, however by no means requested for being subbed off.
The previous Barcelona performed half-hour injured, absolutely commited to the group to get to the ultimate stage, and he ended up being instrumental within the Galaxy’s 1-0 victory over Seattle. Regardless of his damage, he supplied the essential help to Dejan Joveljic for the match-winning objective.
The damage occurred within the sixtieth minute when Puig, following a defensive restoration, tried to drive the ball ahead however was fouled by Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan. The deal with resulted in a yellow card for Roldan, and Puig required on-field help. Regardless of the discomfort, Puig continued to play for a further half-hour earlier than the complete extent of the damage turned clear.
Riqui Puig’s 2024 MLS Season
Since becoming a member of LA Galaxy from Barcelona in August 2022, Puig has rapidly established himself as one in all MLS’s prime skills. The Spanish playmaker has been chosen to the MLS All-Star Sport twice and just lately signed a brand new deal because the group’s franchise participant, protecting him with the Galaxy by way of the 2027 season.
Within the 2024 MLS common season, Puig registered 37 objective contributions, with 17 targets and 20 assists, solidifying his position because the group’s major playmaker. His affect continued within the MLS playoffs, the place he added 4 targets and three assists, taking part in an important position in guiding the Galaxy to the ultimate.
When will Riqui Puig return?
Whereas neither the membership nor the league has supplied an official timeline for his return, the character of the ACL damage suggests Puig can be sidelined for roughly 6 to eight months. In consequence, the midfielder is predicted to overlook a good portion of the 2025 MLS season, a serious setback for each the participant and the group.
Loading…