The situation is once again complicated for Riqui Puig and LA Galaxy. The club confirmed this Saturday that the Spanish midfielder underwent another knee surgery and will miss, for the second consecutive year, a full season in Major League Soccer. The surgery was necessary to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, an injury that had already sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.

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Puig underwent surgery in Barcelona by Dr. Ramon Cugat, after suffering a setback during the rehabilitation process following his first surgery 13 months ago. The Galaxy reported that the player is now aiming to return only for the start of the 2027 MLS season, a longer timeframe than initially estimated. "Puig is expected to make a full recovery and be ready to rejoin the team for the start of the 2027 MLS season," the Los Angeles franchise stated in an official press release, confirming that the midfielder will not be available throughout 2026. An absence that was felt strongly once again by the LA Galaxy. Riqui Puig, 26, suffered a torn ACL in the 2024 Western Conference Final against Seattle. Despite the injury, he continued playing and was part of the final push that led the Galaxy to win their sixth MLS Cup, a tournament record. However, that injury marked the beginning of a long period away from the pitch. Without Puig during 2025, the team endured the worst season in its history, with just seven wins and a sharp decline in its collective performance. The midfield lost control and fluidity, and the possession-based attack suffered noticeably. The Galaxy scored 23 fewer goals than in 2024, and only one player, Joseph Paintsil, reached double figures in scoring. Before the injury, Puig was enjoying the best form of his career. In the 2024 season, he recorded career highs of 13 goals and 15 assists, led the league in touches and passes, and was a key player in the Galaxy setting an MLS record with four players scoring 10 or more goals.He was also selected to the league's Best XI and participated in the MLS All-Star Game. The club decided not to place him on the long-term injured list for 2025, hoping for an eventual return. This time, the situation is different: his extended absence opens the possibility of freeing up a Designated Player slot. Puig, who earned $5.78 million last season—one of the highest contracts in MLS—is under contract with the Galaxy until 2027. On a personal level, the player himself shared a message of optimism after the surgery. "I hope to return soon, better than ever, and I hope you're waiting for me," Puig wrote on his social media, reflecting his intention to return stronger.