CHICAGO, United States – The talented Spanish midfielder Riqui Puig, a key figure for the Los Angeles Galaxy and former FC Barcelona player, has undergone a new surgical intervention on his left knee. The operation was performed due to the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that he suffered in December 2024, according to the Los Angeles franchise this Saturday.
The successful surgery aims to reconstruct the affected ligament. This is the second time Puig has undergone this procedure, as he previously had a similar operation. The player is expected to be out of the fields for the entire 2026 MLS season, with a projected return for the start of the 2027 campaign.
The Galaxy reported that the player “is in the process of recovery and is expected to be able to fully rejoin the squad for the start of the 2027 season.”
The injury occurred in December 2024, during a match against Seattle Sounders. Despite the severity of the injury, Puig continued playing for approximately 30 minutes, and even provided the crucial assist that allowed the Galaxy to advance to the MLS final, which they ultimately won against the New York Red Bulls.
As a result of this injury, the midfielder missed the entire 2025 season and will now also miss the 2026 championship, which will prolong his competitive absence for more than two years.
With 26 years old, Riqui Puig is recognized as one of the most talented footballers in American soccer, standing out for his creativity, vision of the game and leadership in midfield. His prolonged absence represents a hard blow for the Galaxy’s sporting plans, which will have to restructure their project without their main offensive generator.
The club is confident that the rehabilitation process will allow the player to return in full physical condition in 2027, the year his current contract with the Californian institution ends.
