The LA Galaxy may have roared back from an early deficit to defeat Vancouver Whitecaps FC, but the status of Brazilian midfielder Juninho for Sunday's Western Conference Semifinal against the San Jose Earthquakes remains in question.
In the 82nd minute, the Galaxy midfielder was kicked by a Whitecaps defender, causing him to go down and eventually be removed from the match a minute later. Following the match, head coach Bruce Arena told reporters that while Juninho was "a little bit sore," the team expects him to be okay.
When asked, Juninho shared his coaches optimism.
"I'm tired, my Achilles tendon hurts a little bit, but I'm going to rest tomorrow and try to be ready for [Sunday] " said Juninho. "I was just standing there and the player kicked the ball through my legs and when I turned, I was just tired, and my Achilles just gave.
Meanwhile LA Galaxy captain Landon Donovan believes that the club must take a wait-and-see approach to the Brazilian's health.
"We’ll see how he is tomorrow," said Donovan. "I think he was tired, his leg had been bother him a little bit so I think it was smart to get him out and hopefully he’s okay tomorrow."
