CARSON, Calif. – Ever steadily, LA Galaxy defender Leonardo is working his way back from injury, but the Brazilian is aware that he still has a long way to go.
The 24-year-old Brazilian defender has been unavailable since undergoing an MRI on June 5th that showed no structural damage in his surgically repaired right knee following an injury suffered during a Reserve League match against the Portland Timbers on June 2nd.
Leonardo was back on the training ground on Monday morning, not participating in full training, but rather running laps around the ground during the session. After training on Monday, I got a chance to catch up with Leonardo and although he is still listed as out due to right knee inflammation according to the club's injury report, the Brazilian is pleased with his progress.
“I feel that I’m at about 50% or 60%,” Leonardo said. “And I think that in a week to two weeks from now, I should be able to see how I am with the ball. But we’ll have to see day by day.”
Leonardo’s optimism is certainly commendable as the Brazilian’s rehabilitation from knee surgery to repair tears to his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) last April has been a frustrating one.
After seemingly returning to action by making a pair of Reserve League appearances as well as a full 90 minute appearance during the Galaxy’s U.S. Open Cup match against the Carolina Railhawks, the Brazilian’s injury against Portland and subsequent MRI provided a setback. But since the MRI, Leonardo has been slowly working his way back to the training field.
“I started six to seven weeks ago. I’ve been working hard inside [the weight room] and about a week ago, I started feeling stronger and faster,” said Leonardo. “But I’m being patient with the work that I have been putting in.”
Not interested in rushing back from injury, Leonardo understands that the only way for him to return to full fitness is through a gradual return.
“I feel better,” Leonardo said. “I need four to five to six weeks so that I can gain more strength and muscle. I just have to go step by step.”
