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5 Critical Updates On Riqui Puig's ACL Recovery: Will The LA Galaxy Star Be Ready For The 2026 Season?

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The wait for Riqui Puig’s return to the pitch has been a grueling one for LA Galaxy fans, but as of this current date, December 21, 2025, there is finally a significant, positive update on his status. The Spanish maestro, who was sidelined with a devastating knee injury, has spent the entire 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season in a rigorous rehabilitation program. His journey back from a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is now entering its final, crucial stages, with the latest reports confirming he is back training on the grass.

Puig’s absence created a massive void in the LA Galaxy midfield, particularly after his MVP-caliber performance in the 2024 season. His injury, sustained during the Western Conference Final, was a major blow to the club’s championship aspirations. However, the focus has now fully shifted to his recovery, with the entire organization—from the coaching staff to the medical team—laser-focused on preparing him for a spectacular comeback. The target is clear: a full return for the 2026 MLS season opener.

Riqui Puig: Biography and Career Profile

Ricard "Riqui" Puig Martí is one of the most exciting and dynamic midfielders to have joined Major League Soccer in recent history. His pedigree, honed in one of the world's most famous football academies, makes his presence in the league a significant draw.

  • Full Name: Ricard "Riqui" Puig Martí
  • Date of Birth: August 13, 1999
  • Place of Birth: Matadepera, Spain
  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Position: Central Midfielder
  • Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
  • Youth Career: FC Barcelona (La Masia)
  • Senior Career Highlights:
    • FC Barcelona: Rose through the ranks of the legendary La Masia academy. He made his first-team debut in 2018 and was part of the squad that won the 2020–21 Copa del Rey.
    • LA Galaxy: Joined the MLS club in August 2022. He quickly became the team's creative heartbeat and Designated Player, delivering an exceptional 2024 season with 13 goals and 15 assists before his injury.
  • Current Club: LA Galaxy (MLS)
  • Injury Status: Recovering from a torn ACL (left knee).

The Definitive Riqui Puig Injury Update: ACL Tear and Recovery Milestones

The severity of Riqui Puig’s injury cannot be overstated. An ACL tear is one of the most challenging injuries in professional sports, requiring extensive surgery and a recovery timeline that typically spans 9 to 12 months, or even longer for a full return to peak performance. His injury occurred in late 2024, confirming he would miss the MLS Cup Playoffs and subsequently the entire 2025 campaign.

1. The Nature of the Injury and Initial Surgery

Puig suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his left knee during the 2024 Western Conference Final victory against Seattle Sounders FC. Following the diagnosis, he underwent successful reconstructive surgery. The immediate aftermath involved a period of immobilization and initial physical therapy to reduce swelling and regain basic range of motion. The LA Galaxy medical team has managed his recovery with extreme caution, understanding the long-term importance of a full, unhurried rehabilitation.

2. Missing the Entire 2025 MLS Season

The initial prognosis indicated that Puig would miss a significant portion of the 2025 season. As expected with an ACL tear, the recovery period meant he was unable to participate in any competitive matches throughout the calendar year. This forced the LA Galaxy to adapt their tactical setup, relying on other key entities in the midfield to compensate for the creative deficit left by the Spanish playmaker. His absence was a constant talking point for the club and the wider MLS community.

3. Positive Progress: Back Training on Grass

The most encouraging news for fans came in the latter part of the 2025 season. Recent updates confirm that Puig has progressed well in his rehabilitation and has been spotted running on the grass. This milestone is a critical step, indicating that his knee has stabilized and is ready to bear the load of more dynamic, football-specific movements. Returning to the grass signifies the transition from purely gym-based therapy to outdoor, on-ball work, a crucial phase in the ACL recovery timeline.

When Will Riqui Puig Return? Targeting the 2026 Season Opener

While no exact date has been officially set for his competitive return, the latest information and internal club targets point to a highly anticipated comeback.

4. The Official Target: Opening Day 2026

According to sources close to the club and general recovery timelines for a top-tier athlete, Riqui Puig is targeting a full return for the opening day of the 2026 MLS season. This timeline allows him a full pre-season to integrate back into the squad, build match fitness, and re-establish his rhythm with his teammates. A full pre-season is vital to prevent re-injury and ensure he is physically and mentally prepared for the rigors of the MLS schedule.

5. The Final Stages of Rehabilitation and Fitness

The current focus is on building explosive strength, agility, and endurance. The final stages of his recovery will involve rigorous drills to test his knee's stability under pressure, including quick changes of direction, jumping, and tackling. This period will determine if he is truly ready to step back into the midfield as the dynamic, high-impact player he was before the injury. His successful progress to date is a testament to his dedication and the quality of the LA Galaxy's rehabilitation program.

The LA Galaxy organization, along with its passionate fanbase, is eagerly awaiting the moment Riqui Puig steps back onto the pitch. His return is not just about filling a roster spot; it's about restoring the creative engine and star power that makes the team a genuine MLS Cup contender. With the 2026 season on the horizon, the countdown to the Spanish midfielder's highly anticipated comeback is officially underway.

riqui puig injury update
riqui puig injury update

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