Galaxy Faces Major Setback as Riqui Puig Injured Ahead of 2026 MLS Season

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LA Galaxy had high hopes for the return of their star player, Riqui Puig, as they aimed to have him ready for the 2026 Major League Soccer season. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over those expectations, with the Catalan midfielder now facing another knee surgery that could delay his comeback.

According to reports, Puig, who is 26 years old, will require additional surgical intervention, which raises concerns about his availability for the upcoming season. This news comes as a major setback for both the player and the team, as Puig has been a key figure in the Galaxy’s lineup.

Puig previously underwent surgery at the end of 2024 due to an ACL injury sustained during the Western Conference final against the Seattle Sounders. That injury kept him out of action for the entire 2025 season, and he has not participated in any official match with the Galaxy since November 2024. His absence was felt significantly by the team, as he contributed 13 goals and 15 assists in 29 appearances during the 2024 season.

LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney Hoped to Have Riqui Puig in 2026

The Galaxy had initially planned for Puig to be available for the start of the 2026 MLS season. A few months ago, head coach Greg Vanney expressed his optimism regarding Puig's potential return.

"We’re already starting the reintegration of Riqui in our group in training, and you can already sense a different momentum in the group in a different way of how he impacts the game," Vanney said, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. "He’s such a unique player and how he impacts the game."

"He’s a phenomenal soccer player," he added. "I mean, just the second he gets on the field, the passes that he hits, the things that he sees, how he uses everybody around the field, is just so different. It’s so different than anything that we had going on this year in the midfield. It’s unique."

Vanney also indicated that he expected Puig to be fully involved in the 2026 training camp before the start of the next season. However, it seems that the situation has changed, as the midfielder is not yet at full speed.

"I wouldn’t say that he’s up to full speed by any stretch," he claimed. "But the trust they have that he’s going to see and play the balls that he needs to play, gives them the faith and the trust to make the runs that they need to make."

This latest development highlights the challenges that Puig and the LA Galaxy face as they work toward his full recovery. The team will need to adjust its plans and find ways to compensate for his absence, while also supporting Puig through his rehabilitation process.

For fans, the news is disheartening, as Puig has become one of the most influential players on the field. His creativity, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game are crucial elements that the Galaxy will miss in the coming season.

As the team moves forward, the focus will be on maintaining their competitive edge despite these setbacks. With Vanney's leadership and the determination of the squad, there is hope that the Galaxy can still achieve success in the 2026 season.

In the meantime, the medical staff and coaching team will continue to monitor Puig's progress and ensure that he receives the best possible care. The goal remains to bring him back to full fitness as soon as possible, so he can once again contribute to the team's success.