CARSON, Calif. – A congested schedule with commitments in two competitions has taken its toll on the LA Galaxy ahead of this weekend’s clash against Sporting Kansas City.
Head coach Bruce Arena rested Todd Dunivant, Sean Franklin and Robbie Keane in their 1-0 defeat to FC Dallas due to knocks suffered in their CONCACAF Champions League Semifinal second leg against C.F. Monterrey.
Following the club’s 1-1 Reserve League draw with Seattle Sounders FC on Monday, Dunivant told reporters that he has been battling a left thigh strain that first occurred prior to LA’s CCL semifinal series. Dunivant pushed through the injury in the first leg, but exited the second leg defeat in Mexico midway through the second half before sitting out against FCD.
The club also provided an update on Keane, who is currently suffering a left ankle injury and Jose Villarreal, who took a knock on his left shoulder during the Reserve League match and was forced to exit during the 40th minute.
The injury list may seem numerous at the moment, but Dunivant is quick to preach caution by saying that it is simply a part of the season’s grind.
“It’s a never ending thing,” said Dunivant. “Especially with so many games, we've had through preseason and these first few weeks, there’s been a lot so it’s not too surprising that there are a couple of guys nicked up here or there, but we’ll deal with it.”
