CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy will likely be without the services of David Beckham for a third consecutive match Saturday against Toronto FC.
Beckham, who is still dealing with a left ankle sprain suffered in a match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on September 1, already missed out on LA’s match against the Colorado Rapids last Friday and Wednesday’s CONCACAF Champions League game against the Puerto Rico Islanders.
The English midfielder is currently listed as questionable on the club’s injury report, which came out on Friday. However, after missing out on training on Friday, head coach Bruce Arena told reporters following the session that Beckham might not feature against Toronto.
“There’s a chance that we’ll see David [soon], perhaps not in the game tomorrow. He’s not definitely out, but we’ll see,” said Arena. “He’s making progress though.”
DONOVAN TARGETS 90 MINUTES ON SATURDAY
With injury worries a thing of his past, Landon Donovan is targeting an expanded role in Saturday’s contest against Toronto FC.
The Galaxy captain was incredibly active in a brief 30-minute stint against Puerto Rico creating several dangerous scoring opportunities in the 0-0 draw. But although he is still listed as questionable on the club’s injury report due to a left hamstring strain, Donovan is confident that he can make a broader impact on Saturday.
“I’m still getting my sharpness back. I was out awhile and I haven’t had a lot of time to train so I think that has affected me a little bit,” said Donovan. “I just need more touches on the ball, getting more comfortable and with the more time I play, the better I’m going to be. The hope is that I get through 90 (minutes) tomorrow and be fully fit.”
GALAXY LOOK TO CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH
The LA Galaxy can move one step closer to defending their MLS Cup title on Saturday as a win against Toronto FC will allow the Galaxy to clinch a spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
At the moment, the Galaxy are tied with Real Salt Lake for the third overall spot, but hold an advantage over RSL in the pivotal goals scored tiebreaker. LA’s win-and-in scenario was set up on Wednesday with in-stadium rivals Chivas USA falling 1-0 to the Columbus Crew.
READ: Donovan on the final stretch: "We want to keep climbing"
But even though LA can lock down a spot in the postseason with a win, LA is placing their focus on loftier goals.
“Now it’s safe to assume that we’re most likely going to be in the playoffs, but there’s a lot going on with seeding and with our conference and the east that could matter,” said Donovan. “We’ve got to keep winning games and right now our mentality is good, our attitude is good and we’re confident and we just have to go on the field and perform.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
