Robbie Keane continues rehab from double Achilles surgery

Robbie Keane was at LA Galaxy practice Tuesday jogging around the practice pitch as he continues to recover form the double Achilles surgery he had in late November after the Galaxy's playoff run concluded. Keane had the surgery done in London then rehabbed at home in Ireland, so much of his recovery has been under the instruction of the Irish national team training staff.

"It's been going very well," Robbie Keane told reporters. "The surgery was successful, obviously had both of them done."

The current Galaxy captain jogged under supervision, as he tries to ease back into a normal routine. He has done some ball work, but everyone is trying to be cautious. Still, he expects to be ready to go by the time the season kicks off.

"If I really wanted I could train now, but that said we have to be clever and make sure this doesn't recur again. So far it feels good, feels strong. It's nice to wake up in the morning and not take an hour to walk to the bathroom."

Not only was Keane high on his own prospects, but he seemed pleased with the upgrades Bruce Arena made in the offseason. Whereas last season the Galaxy relied on youth for depth at the forward position, new acquisitions Samuel and Rob Friend give Keane some new partner options. One common thread with the new acquisitions was the experience they were going to bring to the club.

"We say it every year don't we? But I think we generally do [have a stronger squad]. You look at the experienced players that we brought in, they'll certainly help the group. We lacked a bit of that last year; a bit of experience."

Friend is the type of forward to stay at the very top and poach, which could work well with Keane dropping further into the midfield. Samuel is good up top as well, but he's more likely to work from further back if that's what the match dictates.

For a team that had an above average goal differential, there's a feeling that timing kept them from the top of the standings. Experienced forwards each with a height advantage certainly give the club an edge they didn't have late in games when fatigue is a factor.

That Keane looks ready to go soon should help everyone start to learn how to play together.