CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy are steadily approaching full fitness as a club and the latest player to near an injury return is midifielder Kyle Nakazawa.
Nakazawa has been unavailable since June due to back spasms –which he describes as a herniated disc--, an injury that he suffered during a Reserve League match against the Vancouver Whitecaps on June 12th. After a long injury recovery, the 24-year-old winger from Torrance, Calif. has become a regular fixture at Galaxy training once again, even taking part in ball work on Thursday.
Although there is no timetable yet for the winger’s return to the field, Nakazawa is pleased with his recuperation
Below are Nakazawa’s thoughts on returning to full fitness...
(On his rising level of fitness…)
NAKAZAWA: “It’s going well. I’m just trying to get my fitness back and since I’ve been out for almost two months, it’s going to take a little time. I’m just trying to be patient and not get too frustrated just trying to get into game fitness again.”
(On his fitness level currently…)
NAKAZAWA: “I’m pretty much back, I’m just trying to get my fitness level right. I was on the ball today and I felt pretty sharp on the ball, but I have to build on my fitness because when I get in game situations there’s going to be a lot more pressure.”
(On any frustrations at being out for nearly two months…)
NAKAZAWA: “No one likes to be injured and you definitely see things from a different perspective when you’re injured. Sometimes when you’re playing, you can take things for granted, but when you’re hurt it makes you appreciate it a lot more. So I’ve kind of been taking the last few weeks to watch the game and get stronger mentally so I’ll be stronger when I come back.”
