According to Riqui Puig, the LA Galaxy is suffering without Javier Hernandez and Martin Caceres, who are sidelined with long-term ailments.
The 23-year-old midfielder told Sport that the absences of injured teammates Javier Hernandez and Martin Caceres will have a significant impact on the Galaxy’s postseason prospects.
According to Puig, “As a team, injuries are costing us a bit” due to the loss of key players like Chicharito and Martin Caceres this season for the Galaxy. But as people, we’re doing fine.
Unlike Galaxy leading scorer Hernandez and Uruguayan international Caceres, Puig has been able to stay healthy and contribute to the team all season.
Both players have been sidelined for some time due to injuries, and Hernandez’s suspension will affect the Galaxy’s whole 2023 Major League Soccer campaign.
Goals have been a problem for Greg Vanney’s team for most of the season, and Puig believes that injuries like Hernandez’s have played a significant role in the Galaxy’s disappointing MLS season.
Despite injuries, Puig can help the Galaxy push for a playoff position.
Even with two of their best players sidelined by injury, the Galaxy still have a chance at the playoffs thanks to Puig’s quality and leadership.
It’s no secret that Puig is a talented midfielder, and he’s finally starting to show it after nearly a year in California. His presence alone might be a huge boost for the Galaxy as they enter the second half of the season.
It’s unlikely, but stranger things have happened in MLS, and Puig’s star power might determine whether the Galaxy has a memorable season or not.