CARSON, Calif. – The injury list seems a little bit longer these days for the LA Galaxy, but one player that has put the injury scares aside is Irish forward Robbie Keane.
Keane was on the sidelines with an Achilles injury as Ireland fell 6-1 to Germany in UEFA World Cup Qualifying on October 12, but was back in action on Tuesday; going 81 minutes in Ireland’s 4-1 win over Faroe Islands. After returning to the training ground on Thursday, Keane has deemed himself fit and ready to play in Sunday’s match against San Jose Earthquakes.
“It’s fine. I’ve had it on and off for a while and I got a knock in training three days before the game and its swelled up. It was quite sore and I had a fitness test the day before the game and it just wasn’t right,” said Keane. “I got an injection and it was obviously ready for the next game. I played that 80 minutes and I felt fine and obviously now, I’m ready for Sunday’s game.”
Despite needing an injection to play though Ireland’s World Cup Qualifier against Faroe Islands, Keane attests that he will not require similar treatment to appear against the Earthquakes.
With Keane fit, the Irish forward is expected to start on Sunday, but it is unlikely that he’ll partnered with Landon Donovan who is questionable with a bone bruise on his left knee. One player who is apparently crossed off the list of options is Mike Magee, as Keane told reporters on Friday that he “is not” going to play up top.
READ: Donovan progressing from injury, status in question for LA's final two games
Regardless of whoever starts up top, Keane admits that it’ll be a different experience than working alongside Donovan.
“It’s different, it depends obviously on who plays, I’ve played with Mike before and with Edson,” said Keane. “Edson plays high up, up against the two center halves and I’d probably play underneath him, but with Mikey, the two of us can mix and match so we’ve got different options. Obviously, myself and Landon, we like balls played to feet and play off each other. It’ll be different regardless who plays, but I’m sure we’ll do a good job.”
But could it be Buddle, who plays alongside Keane?
“You have to ask the manager,” says the Irishman with a smile.
BECKHAM TRAINS INDOORS ON FRIDAY
David Beckham did not train with the Galaxy on Friday morning, taking part in a gym workout while his teammates took part in practice.
Beckham has trained regularly with the club this week, after being given much of last week off in order to rest ahead of the start of the postseason. Following training, Arena told reporters that the club will “see how he feels tomorrow,” but that he was dealing with “nothing in particular.”
