Galaxy's Riqui Puig Faces Second Surgery: Impact on Team's Season Ahead
The Galaxy may face another season without Riqui Puig as the midfielder is set to undergo a second surgery to repair his torn ACL. Puig suffered the injury in the 2024 MLS Western Conference final and missed the entire 2025 season. The team struggled without him, winning only seven games, marking their worst season in franchise history. Puig, a La Masia youth academy product, had a setback in his recovery after returning to Spain for the holidays, leading to the decision for a second surgery.
The timeline for Puig's return will be determined post-surgery, but his absence will be a significant loss for the Galaxy, as he proved to be their most valuable player in the previous season. Puig had career-best numbers in goals and assists in 2024, leading the league in touches and passes. His absence impacted the team's possession-based attack, resulting in fewer goals scored and only one player reaching double figures in scoring.
The Galaxy did not place Puig on the season-ending injury list last season, hoping for his return. However, if doctors deem him unlikely to play this season, the team may opt to shelve him to open up a designated-player spot. Puig, one of the highest-paid players in MLS, is under contract until 2027. Despite Puig's situation, the Galaxy made significant moves in the offseason, acquiring Jakob Glesnes and signing Justin Haak to strengthen their roster.
In conclusion, the Galaxy faces the possibility of another season without Riqui Puig as he undergoes a second surgery for his torn ACL. His absence in the previous season had a significant impact on the team's performance, highlighting his importance as a key player. The team will await the outcome of the surgery to determine the timeline for Puig's return, while also considering roster adjustments to compensate for his potential absence.