LA Galaxy hoped to have its star Riqui Puig available for the start of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, but it has just received the worst possible news on the matter.
According to The Athletic, Puig, 26, will have to undergo another knee surgery, which puts his availability for the 2026 MLS season in doubt.
The Catalan midfielder already underwent surgery at the end of 2024 for an ACL injury suffered in that year’s Western Conference final vs. Seattle Sounders, which caused him to miss the entire 2025 season, without participating in an official match with the Galaxy since November 2024.
Puig is the LA Galaxy’s best player, and his absence weighed heavily during the past season. In 2024, he registered 13 goals and 15 assists in 29 matches.
LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney Hoped to Have Riqui Puig in 2026
LA Galaxy initially hoped to have Puig available for the start of the 2026 MLS season. A couple of months ago, head coach Greg Vanney shared his expectations on the matter.