Riqui Puig returns to LA on crutches, doubtful to face Portland on Saturday

Riqui Puig has become the driving force of the LA Galaxy and much of their success this year depends a lot on what he does on the field. The Spanish midfielder scored his sixth goal of the season on Sunday in the agonizing draw against Austin by a score of 3-3 at the Q2 Stadium.

The Galaxy's goal is to qualify for the playoffs this season, but they only have five games left to achieve it. The bad news for the team led by Greg Vanney is the health of Riqui Puig, who suffered an injury against Austin and had to come off as a substitute in the 81st minute.

The LA Galaxy captain returned to Los Angeles on crutches and is doubtful for Saturday's duel against the Portland Timbers. A game they have to win at home to continue in the fight to get one of the nine spots in the Western Conference that guarantee a place in the playoffs this season.

“When the second half started, I saw that he was feeling a little discomfort. Much of his magic is in the speed with which he dribbles and evades rivals. He just wasn't having his best night because of the discomfort,” commented Greg Vanney after the draw against Austin last weekend.

The Galaxy remains in second-to-last place in the west with 34 points and a record of eight wins, 10 draws, and 11 losses. The galactic team is five points behind ninth-place FC Dallas and cannot afford to lose points in the last five remaining games of the regular season. The Galaxy's next rivals are Portland, Seattle, Minnesota, Real Salt Lake, and FC Dallas.