CARSON,CALIFORNIA (BDCi) — Landon Donovan had his best game of the 2013 season last Saturday in the LA Galaxy’s 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City, tallying a goal and an assist, but whether he will be able to duplicate his success against Real Salt Lake on Saturday remains a question mark.
Donovan has worked out exclusively in the gym this week as he deals with a strain in his right leg suffered in the game against Sporting KC last Saturday.
“We’re definitely going to be cautious and always hopeful that I’ll be ready Saturday, but we’ll see,” Donovan told reporters Thursday. “I sprinted and reached for the ball and when I got up I felt it.”
The 31-year-old attacker has been eager to regain his form after returning to the team from a sabbatical on March 27. Since rejoining the team, Donovan has logged 327 minutes over all competitions in five games including three starts with a goal and an assist.
With Donovan eager to contribute right away. he admits he may have pushed himself too far during the last month.
“I did a lot of work last week in the gym and pushed myself on the field because I really wanted to get fit and ready, so potentially that’s a factor but it’s hard to know,” Donovan said. “Like everyone, I’ve put a lot of work over the last couple of weeks, so we’re going to be careful and make sure that we’re okay.”
Associate head coach Dave Sarachan admitted that there is a possibility that Donovan or forward Robbie Keane, who is dealing with an ankle injury may not start against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, but LA is taking a wait and see approach.
“Landon is still dealing with a lit bit of the game against Kansas City and a little bit of a leg strain. We’re being cautious,” Sarachan said. “We’re taking it day by day and likely once we get closer, in the next day or 24 hours, make that decision with Landon,”
If Donovan is unable to start, the offensive responsibilities will likely fall on Mike Magee, who has enjoyed plenty of success in 2013 with five goals.
Source: lagalaxy.com