Los Angeles, CA – In a major setback for the LA Galaxy, star midfielder Riqui Puig will miss the entire 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season after undergoing ACL reconstructive surgery on his left knee. The club announced the news on Friday, January 3, 2026, confirming that the 26-year-old Spaniard had the procedure performed by Dr. Ramón Cugat in Barcelona, Spain.
This marks the second time Puig has had surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee, with the initial injury occurring during the second half of the 2024 Western Conference Final against the Seattle Sounders. Despite the injury, Puig finished the game and even provided the game-winning assist in the 1-0 victory, propelling the Galaxy to their sixth MLS Cup title. He then missed the entirety of the 2025 season due to the initial ACL tear.
"Puig is expected to make a full recovery and be ready to rejoin the team for the start of the 2027 MLS season,” the team stated. This timeline means Puig will miss two consecutive seasons.
The news is a significant blow to the Galaxy's ambitions for the 2026 season. Puig has established himself as a key player since joining the team, showcasing exceptional creativity, vision, and energy in the midfield. In 2024, the two-time MLS All-Star recorded 16 goals and 14 assists in 29 regular-season matches, earning MLS Best XI honors. Across all competitions in 2024, he totaled 17 goals and 20 assists in 36 appearances. His absence was keenly felt in 2025, as the Galaxy struggled to a 14th-place finish in the Western Conference.
Puig's absence will force the Galaxy to re-evaluate their attacking strategy for the upcoming season. The recent signings of defender Jakob Glesnes and midfielder Justin Haak now appear to be even more crucial as the team looks to compensate for the loss of their star playmaker. While Haak may provide depth in midfield, the Galaxy will likely need to seek a high-impact player to fill the void left by Puig. Options already on the roster to help fill the void include Diego Fagundez, Gabriel Pec, and Marco Reus.
The LA Galaxy's 2026 season is set to begin on February 22nd with a home opener against New York City FC. They will also compete in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. The team will need to find a way to overcome Puig's absence if they hope to contend for a playoff spot and make a run in the Champions Cup.
"I hope to be back soon, better than ever, and I hope you'll be waiting for me," Puig shared on Instagram, signaling his determination to return to the field in 2027.
