Riqui Puig to miss 2026 after left-knee ACL reconstruction

Goal reports LA Galaxy confirmed that Riqui Puig will miss the entire 2026 MLS season after undergoing another successful ACL reconstruction on his left knee. The injury dates back to December 2024, when Puig was hurt during the Western Conference Final against the Seattle Sounders, a match in which he delivered the decisive assist in a 1–0 victory that propelled the Galaxy toward their sixth MLS Cup title.

The club said the surgery was performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ramon Cugat and stated: "Riqui Puig successfully underwent left knee ACL reconstruction surgery, a little more than a year after a similar procedure at the end of 2024. He is expected to fully recover and be ready to rejoin the team ahead of the start of the 2027 MLS season." Puig wrote on social media that "the graft wasn’t right" at a medical checkup and called the setback "one of the toughest and most difficult moments I’ve had to face in my life," adding that "the surgery went well." Since arriving from FC Barcelona in 2022, Puig has recorded 27 goals and 23 assists in 74 matches across all competitions for the Galaxy.

In 2024 he produced 37 goal contributions (17 goals, 20 assists) in 36 matches, including eight direct contributions in four Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearances, and finished the regular season with 16 goals and 14 assists in 29 matches. Puig signed a contract extension with LA Galaxy in May 2024 that runs through December 2027.

Key Topics

Sports, Riqui Puig, La Galaxy, Dr. Ramon Cugat, Seattle Sounders, Fc Barcelona