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LA Galaxy's Riqui Puig Out for 2026 Season

1/4/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig will miss the 2026 season after a second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery on his left knee.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Ramón Cugat in Barcelona.
His initial ACL injury occurred during the 2024 MLS Western Conference Final.
He contributed 37 goal contributions to the Galaxy's 2024 championship run.
The Galaxy are rebuilding their roster while Puig aims to return for the 2027 season.

History

Historical Context

In 1983, the NFL established stricter recovery protocols for players with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, influenced by the pioneering work of Dr. James Andrews, who performed over 1,000 ACL surgeries. This evolution in sports medicine highlights ongoing challenges athletes face in rehabilitation, as seen in Riqui Puig's recent surgery, emphasizing the importance of player health in shaping team strategies and athlete longevity.

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Story summary

LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig will miss the 2026 season after a second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery on his left knee.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Ramón Cugat in Barcelona.
His initial ACL injury occurred during the 2024 MLS Western Conference Final.
He contributed 37 goal contributions to the Galaxy's 2024 championship run.
The Galaxy are rebuilding their roster while Puig aims to return for the 2027 season.

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