At a Glance
- Riqui Puig underwent a second ACL reconstruction in Barcelona.
- He is expected to return to MLS in July 2027.
- Puig missed the entire 2025 season after the first tear.
- Why it matters: The Galaxy’s star midfielder will be out until the 2027 season, affecting team prospects.
LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig has had a second ACL reconstruction on his left knee in Barcelona, just over a year after a similar procedure in late 2024. The club says he should be fully recovered and ready to rejoin the Major League Soccer team at the start of the 2027 season in July.
Surgery and Recovery
Puig’s second surgery followed a first ACL tear that caused him to miss the entire 2025 season. The operation was performed in Spain, and the club expects a full recovery before the 2027 MLS season begins.
Impact on LA Galaxy
- 17 goals and 20 assists in 36 matches for the Galaxy in 2024
- Game-winning assist in the 2024 Western Conference Final
- Galaxy won the MLS Cup without him playing
The Galaxy hoped for a bounce-back year after a downturn in 2025, adding center-back Jakob Glesnes and courting Justin Haak, but Puig’s absence makes a top-tier finish unlikely.
| Event | Date | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| First ACL surgery | Late 2024 | Missed 2025 season |
| Second ACL surgery | Jan 2026 | Barcelona, left knee |
| Expected return | July 2027 | MLS season start |
Broader MLS Context
Former MLS player Bradley Wright-Phillips notes that while the U.S. may not win the World Cup, the MLS can build on the momentum of the 2026 tournament to achieve global success. Puig’s injury highlights the challenges teams face in maintaining competitive squads.
Key Takeaways
- Puig will not return until the 2027 MLS season.
- The Galaxy’s 2024 success was achieved without him playing in the cup final.
- The team’s roster rebuild is complicated by his long-term absence.
Reported by Michael A. Turner at News Of Philadelphia.
