Riqui Puig, LA Galaxy's Spanish midfielder, has been ruled out for the 2024 MLS Cup after suffering a torn ACL during the Western Conference final against the Seattle Sounders. Despite the injury, Puig continued playing for over 30 minutes, even providing the assist for the game-winning goal in the 85th minute, which sent LA Galaxy to the MLS Cup final.
In a statement, the club confirmed that Puig tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during the second half of the Western Conference final.
"The LA Galaxy today confirmed that midfielder Riqui Puig suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee and will miss the 2024 MLS Cup, Puig sustained the injury in the second half of the match, continuing to play over thirty minutes despite his injury, and providing the game-winning assist on Dejan Joveljić’s 85th minute goal," the club said in a statement
Puig has been a key player for LA Galaxy throughout the season, particularly during the playoffs. In his four postseason appearances, he was involved in every match with a goal or an assist, contributing four goals and three assists in total. His performances this season marked his best yet in Major League Soccer (MLS), with 15 goals and 13 assists in 29 regular-season matches, making him a vital part of one of the league’s most potent attacking units.
When Will Riqui Puig Return?
Puig is set to undergo surgery in the coming days to repair the torn ACL. While the recovery period for such an injury typically spans several months, the midfielder is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 MLS season depending on his recovery.
On social media, Puig expressed his determination to recover, stating: “Today begins a new challenge. I will be off the pitch for several months, but am already looking towards and motivated to return stronger than ever and ready to continue making history in this club."
"THANK YOU to everyone for your messages of support and love, they truly give me strength to tackle this recovery. I’m so proud of how hard we’ve fought to get here, and I know my teammates will give their all to bring the trophy home. Even though I can’t be on the field, I’ll be cheering from the sidelines with the same passion as always. Let’s go, Galaxy! Keep making us dream," he added
Replacements for LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup Final
With Puig unavailable, head coach Greg Vanney faces the task of finding a suitable replacement for the creative midfielder. For the MLS Cup final on Saturday, December 7, LA Galaxy will likely rely heavily on summer signing Marco Reus to take on the creative duties in attack. Reus, who has started six matches since joining LA Galaxy, has contributed just one goal and two assists. Although Reus is past his prime at 35 years old, this final presents an opportunity for him to prove his worth in one of the biggest games of the MLS season.
Marco Delgado is expected to take a more central role in the lineup, potentially replacing Puig. With Reus advancing into a more attacking position and Edwin Cerrillo as the midfield anchor, Delgado will likely operate as a box-to-box midfielder, adding energy and balance to the center of the pitch.
Diego Fagúndez could also be an option for Vanney if he chooses to deploy a more attacking lineup, with Cerrillo remaining as the sole defensive midfielder.
Can LA Galaxy Still Triumph Without Puig?
Despite Puig's absence, LA Galaxy has a wealth of attacking talent that can still pose a serious threat in the final. The team has the potential to lift their sixth MLS Cup, but Vanney’s tactical decisions, including how to replace Puig, will play a pivotal role in the outcome of the match. LA Galaxy remains a formidable contender, with star players such as Reus, Joveljić, and Fagúndez capable of stepping up when needed most.
While the loss of Puig is significant, LA Galaxy has the necessary depth and talent to overcome the challenge and bring home the MLS Cup for the first time in years.
