CARSON, Calif. – Gyasi Zardes could be in line for a longer shift after returning to the field for the first time in more than seven months last weekend.
Zardes made a brief 23-minute cameo in the second half of the Galaxy’s 4-2 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday. The 25-year-old was relatively quiet in his limited action but after such a lengthy layoff, Zardes was pleased with his contribution.
“I’m thankful to see the field again after a long time of being out. I know that my fitness and my game is going to develop the more minutes that I play. Getting reps in games is going to help benefit myself as a player,” Zardes told LA Galaxy Insider. “As far as getting back to full fitness, I’m still getting there and I just need to keep practicing.”
His first appearance under his belt, Zardes could return to the starting lineup as soon as the Galaxy’s match against the Montreal Impact on Friday. Galaxy head coach Curt Onalfo admits that he’s ready to give Zardes his first start soon, but is going to err on the side of caution with his star striker.
“He’s looking better each day. The thing that’s difficult is that as much as you want to throw him in there from the beginning is that was his first game since August,” Onalfo said. “It’s important to try and bring him along appropriately so that he stays healthy and can contribute all year long. It’s encouraging that he’s looking better each day.”
