CARSON, Calif. -- Robbie Keane has declared himself fit enough to be in consideration for the LA Galaxy's SuperClasico match with Chivas USA, but what role the club's Irish captain will play on Sunday is still undecided.
The Galaxy's 34-year-old Irish captain confirmed that he suffered a strained adductor during the match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC which has kept him on the shelf since. Keane made his return to training on Friday, but with another training shift completed a day later, the Galaxy forward is optimistic about his chances for Sunday's SuperClasico.
"I feel fine. We just have to see how the injury reacts today and tomorrow. We'll see how it is tomorrow. It's not 100 percent, but I'll be involved tomorrow and there's a good chance of that, but whether I start or not will depend on the reaction," said Keane. "It feels okay, but whether it's good enough to start is more of a precaution than anything else. Maybe I could be in reserve, but we'll have to see how it reacts."
Keane's optimism about his status for the SuperClasico was echoed by Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena.
"It's possible," he said. "He looked good today in training."
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Keane's status for Sunday will be his role in Ireland's two upcoming matches after being named to the team's 21-man squad on Saturday. The Irish will play two matches next week including a Sept. 3 friendly against Oman in Dublin before kicking off their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign against Georgia on Sept. 7 in the Georgian capital of Tblisi. Although there might be some concern on Keane's part about saving himself for those matches, he insists that any participation against Chivas will not hinder his availability for the national team.
"I have to listen to the trainers as well. Its their job to make sure that they get me right and I'm not pushing it. I can only go on how I feel. I felt good today in training so we just have to see how it is today and tomorrow. I'm not one of those people that leave something for a couple weeks time. I'm a now man and I like to play now.
"I'll certainly be ready for Ireland. There is no question about that. If I practice today and the game is not until next Sunday, then I certainly have a chance," Keane continued. "I'll have a chance for tomorrow, but starting or not is another thing."
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