SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Landon Donovan made the trip to Costa Rica, but whether or not he’ll play in the LA Galaxy’s CONCACAF Champions League match against C.S. Cartaginés still remains to be seen.
Donovan was present during the Galaxy’s training session at the Estadio Nacional in Costa Rica on Tuesday as LA wrapped up their preparation for their vital CCL fixture. The 31-year-old Donovan admits that the right ankle sprain that he suffered during LA’s 1-1 draw with D.C. United two weeks ago is still lingering and because of that, he understands that he’ll need to be cautious on Wednesday.
“I feel a lot better. Every day is getting better. It lingered more than I wanted, but it is part of it. We’ll keep doing everything to try and get it ready for the game,” said Donovan. “We’re going to do what’s right. If I can play then I want to play. I’m not going to do anymore damage then I want to play. If the determination is that I can still do more damage then we’ll be smart.”
Even if he does not participate, he’ll be able to offer plenty of insight into playing at Estadio Nacional as he took part in a World Cup qualifier with the U.S. National Team earlier this month against Costa Rica. Donovan and Galaxy teammate Omar Gonzalez—who did not make the trip—were unable to earn a victory as the U.S. fell 3-1, but he’s hopeful that LA will not suffer a similar fate.
Although the stadium’s design, which includes a massive track around the field that separates the crowd from the field, Donovan admits that the team must be wary of the environment.
“The atmosphere is different because when the fans are right on top of you, it creates more pressure so this will be a little bit different," said Donovan. "But we learned with the U.S. team that it doesn't guarantee you anything. We have to be prepared for a team that is at home and with their fans in the stadium that is going to come after us."
