CARSON, Calif. -- On Saturday, the LA Galaxy will likely be without captain Landon Donovan for a fifth consecutive match, but with LA’s attack rolling as of late, the Galaxy believe that rest rather playing time will be most beneficial for Donovan.
Although Donovan has not played since LA’s 4-0 victory over Chivas USA on August 12th due to international duty and a left hamstring strain suffered on international duty, the Galaxy have had no trouble putting the ball in the back of the net. In Donovan’s absence, the Galaxy have gone 3-0-1 in MLS and CONCACAF Champions League play notching 12 goals in that span.
On Friday, following LA’s final training session, head coach Bruce Arena told reporters that while Donovan is on the mend, it is doubtful that he will contribute. If Donovan is unable to go, it is likely that either 18-year-old forward Jose Villarreal or veteran Mike Magee will be partnered alongside Robbie Keane on Saturday’s match. Another option is returning forward Edson Buddle, who made his first appearance since late-May during LA’s CCL win over Puerto Rico Islanders on Wednesday.
Below are thoughts from David Beckham and Keane on playing without Donovan…
BECKHAM: “Obviously, he’s still struggling with his hamstring, but he’s got to get it right, obviously we want him fit for the rest of the season so there is no point in him rushing back if he’s still feeling it because it’s better that he gets it right before he even steps on the field.”
KEANE: “Jose has done well and Mikey [Magee] has done well up front as well. So it depends on what the manager is going to go with, but either way the two guys are good enough and they’ve shown that in the last game. In the last games, we’ve been doing well and we haven’t been losing too many games.”
