Puig to Sit Out 2026 MLS Season After Second Knee Surgery

Riqui Puig Faces Another Setback in Recovery from Knee Injuries

Spanish midfielder Riqui Puig is set to miss a second consecutive Major League Soccer (MLS) season in 2026 after undergoing another surgery on his left knee. The Los Angeles Galaxy confirmed the news on Saturday, marking yet another challenge in Puig’s ongoing battle with injuries.

Puig had already missed the entire 2025 MLS season after tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference final. That injury prevented him from being part of the Galaxy’s victory in the MLS Cup final a week later. Now, the 26-year-old player is facing another setback that will keep him out of action for the upcoming season.

The Galaxy announced in a statement that Puig recently underwent a successful ACL reconstructive surgery on his left knee. This follows a similar procedure he underwent in late 2024. The team expressed confidence in his recovery and stated that he should be ready to rejoin the squad for the start of the 2027 MLS season.

Personal and Professional Struggles

Puig shared his feelings about the latest development on Instagram, where he described the moment he received the news during a medical checkup. He explained that “the graft wasn’t right,” which required him to return to the operating room.

“It’s not easy to find the words after everything I’ve been through. Without a doubt, it’s one of the hardest and most complicated moments I’ve had to deal with in my life, both personally and professionally,” Puig said.

Despite the challenges, he remained optimistic about the outcome. “But today I can say that the operation went well, and that gives me strength and peace of mind to look ahead,” he added.

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Puig emphasized his determination to move forward. “Now I only have one thing on my mind: to start working right away, train with more enthusiasm than ever, and try to become the Riqui Puig you all know again. With more desire, more hunger, and more strength.”

Career Overview and Impact on the Galaxy

A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Puig made the move to the United States in 2022. Since joining the Galaxy, he has made an impact on the field, scoring 29 goals and providing 32 assists in 82 matches across all competitions.

However, without Puig in 2025, the Galaxy struggled significantly. The team managed to win only seven games during that season, highlighting the importance of his presence on the roster.

Looking Ahead

While the news of another injury is disappointing, Puig remains focused on his recovery and future with the Galaxy. His resilience and determination have been evident throughout his career, and fans are hopeful that he will return stronger in the coming seasons.

As he begins the rehabilitation process, Puig is determined to prove that he can overcome these challenges and continue making an impact in the MLS. His journey serves as a reminder of the physical and mental demands of professional sports, and the perseverance required to succeed.

unnamed Puig to Sit Out 2026 MLS Season After Second Knee Surgery