Now that the LA Galaxy have a diagnosis (left knee sprain) and a time frame (at least a month) on A.J. DeLaGarza, now the focus moves onto what the Galaxy do in the meantime. Bruce Arena confirmed today to reporters that Leonardo won't be an option, as he still sits on the disabled list and can't be added to the roster.
As to what the Galaxy lose with DeLaGarza's injury, captain Landon Donovan was quite candid.
"[A.J. DeLaGarza]’s our maybe most reliable defender this year," said Landon Donovan. "He’s been a rock now for years, and he makes plays. He’s always in the right spot; he’s always dependable. You know if something goes wrong then he’s going to be in the right spot. So we lose a lot."
Bruce Arena said that we can't simply assume Tommy Meyer will be the replacement, but the alternatives aren't that exciting. David Junior Lopes was caught out of position almost as often as he made the right play. Andrew Boyens has been injured so long that he's almost an unknown property. Regardless of talent level, what the Galaxy really lose is the way Gonzalez and DeLaGarza could communicate on the pitch.
"Omar and AJ, don’t even need to say much. They just look at each other and know what to do, and where to go, and how to move. That’s going to be something we miss."
The Galaxy have three days to find a replacement, as they'll host Real Salt Lake in an all too important match on Saturday. Who steps up to take DeLaGarza's spot is going to have some large shoes to fill.