CARSON, Calif. -- In a devastating blow to the LA Galaxy’s 2026 aspirations, the club announced today that star midfielder Riqui Puig has undergone a second successful surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee and will miss the entire upcoming season.
The surgery, performed by renowned specialist Dr. Ramón Cugat in Barcelona, Spain, comes just over a year after Puig initially injured the knee during the 2024 Western Conference Final. Despite the injury, he delivered a heroic performance, assisting the game-winning goal to send the Galaxy to MLS Cup, which they ultimately won.
Riqui Puig has undergone a successful anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery on his left knee, just over a year after a similar procedure in late 2024. Puig is expected to make a full recovery and be ready to rejoin the team for the start of the 2027 MLS season.… pic.twitter.com/4jKu0b6w8l
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) January 3, 2026
This news puts a damper on the Galaxy's recent offseason activity. The club’s previously announced signings—defender Jakob Glesnes and midfielder Justin Haak—now appear to be the first steps in a necessary and urgent roster rebuild following Puig’s re-injury.
Puig, 25, was the undisputed engine of the Galaxy’s attack and their 2024 championship run. In that MVP-caliber season, he recorded a staggering 37 goal contributions (17 goals, 20 assists) in 36 matches across all competitions, earning MLS Best XI honors. His creativity, vision, and relentless energy were considered irreplaceable.
With Puig out, the Galaxy face the monumental task of reconstructing their attack for 2026.
The acquisition of Justin Haak, a versatile midfielder, may now be viewed as crucial depth for the engine room. However, the club will almost certainly need to enter the market for a high-impact playmaker to fill the colossal void left by their Spanish maestro and putting a halt to any momentum the reinforcements brought with them.
The timeline provided by the club indicates Puig will be sidelined for all of 2026, aiming to return for the start of the 2027 season.
