CARSON, Calif. – Sean Franklin says he expects to play this weekend against Sporting Kansas City. Todd Dunivant isn't so sure he'll be ready. And no word from Robbie Keane.
The LA Galaxy trio missed Saturday's loss at FC Dallas with injuries sustained or aggravated in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinal series against Monterrey, and now another first-line player – forward Jose Villarreal – isn't certain for Saturday's showdown at The Home Depot Center.
READ: Injury Updates on Todd Dunivant, Robbie Keane and Jose Villarreal
Villarreal was forced to leave Monday's MLS Reserve League game against the Seattle Sounders just before halftime with a shoulder injury, and there was no immediate word on whether it was serious.
“His [left] shoulder was bothering him, so he had to come out of the game with a shoulder issue,” said Galaxy assistant coach Curt Onalfo, who manages the reserve team. “I guess [a Sounders player] pulled on it. He's had some issues with separated shoulders in the past. We'll have to see what the medical staff says about that one.”
Three players made their first game appearances of the season in the 1-1 draw after returning from preseason injuries – defender Bryan Gaul (high ankle sprain) went the distance at left back, midfielder Kenney Walker (broken fifth metatarsal) came on for Villarreal, and rookie forward Gyasi Zardes (broken fifth metatarsal) was a second-half substitute – and center back Tommy Meyer (hamstring strain) went the full 90 after making his season debut at Dallas.
READ: Meyer goes the distance against Seattle
Keane has a “knock” on his left ankle, apparently suffered in last week's second leg against Monterrey, and the Galaxy have given no timeline for his return.
Franklin said he had soreness behind a knee that was bothering him heading into the game at Monterrey, that it feels better and that he hopes to be training fully when the team returns to the field Wednesday morning.
READ: Onalfo discusses Galaxy's reserve draw vs. Sounders
“It happened a few days before the Monterrey game, the second one,” he told MLSsoccer.com. “It was sore, I was starting to get treatment. I knew going into the game I wasn't 100 percent, but I was going to just try to get through it. Toward the end of the game, I had no legs. I couldn't spring. It's frustrating, but it was a big game. I wanted to play and give everything I could.”
Dunivant is dealing with a strain high on his left leg.
“I need that [leg]. If it was the right, I'd be OK,” joked the left-footed left back. “It happened before the Champions League series, so I kind of played through it. ... Hopefully, its a quick one. We'll see. With tomorrow off and getting back into it Wednesday, I'll give it a shot and see what happens.”
