As LA Galaxy are set to play against the New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup final, they face a rather tough challenge as their starman Riqui Puig sustained an ACL injury during the Western Conference Final. Despite the injury, Puig played over 30 minutes, delivering a key assist to Dejan Joveljić for the match-winning goal. 

With the Spaniard out, Coach Greg Vanney will look to Marco Reus, who has almost recovered from his groin injury. During their press conference, the American manager revealed that he remains optimistic about the Borussia Dortmund legend making it back into the starting XI. If the German is fit, he will lead hopes for LA Galaxy who are now without their ‘Conductor’. 

“How we want to manage that situation, both early and later, are things that we’re working through, talking through, and figuring out the right personnel to approach the game,” said Vanney during their press conference on December 3rd. “(Puig is) a unique player in what he does, we have to look a little bit more into the collective aspect of the game”

In the regular season for LA Galaxy, the 25-year-old managed to score 17 goals and get 12 assists in 33 games. Puig pretty much dictated the tempo of the game and without their key player, Galaxy have lost favor with the bookmakers for the MLS Cup Final. With ACL injuries typically taking 6 to 9 months of recovery, Puig is set to miss out quite a chunk of the upcoming season as well.