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The LA Galaxy have this weekend off, and two players who suffered injuries again Real Salt Lake are certainly glad for it. A.J. DeLaGarza will use the time off to recover from his ankle injury suffered from a harsh challenge, but James Riley's status isn't as positive. He's going to need an operation and recovery time after tearing his meniscus.
When Riley left the match he was replaced by Dan Gargan, and when DeLaGarza couldn't continue he was replaced by Leonardo. Todd Dunivant's return allowed DeLaGarza to slide into his old center back spot, but time will tell if Bruce Arena has enough faith in Gargan to keep DeLaGarza in the middle or if Leonardo will be called upon again in the coming months.
Of course Arena could also go with one of the young center backs he left in LA to play with LA Galaxy II; either Kofi Opare or Kyle Venter. Opare had good flashes last season, and might be an option.
Honest sentiment from Robbie Rogers today who has been absolutely snake bit by injuries. Hoping to return to training in three weeks. #MLS
— Adam Serrano (@LAGalaxyInsider) March 25, 2014
Rogers had the misfortune of suffering a freak stress reaction on his left ankle, as is beginning his return into competitive play. He's an important option in the midfield that the Galaxy could currently use: in Salt Lake Bruce Arena went with Stefan Ishizaki over Gyasi Zardes but Ishi ended up having little impact on the proceedings.
The Galaxy could also use someone to take over free kicks from Landon Donovan. The corner kicks especially have been for the most part off the mark, with the combination goal against Real Salt Lake the most glaring counterexample. Donovan's height doesn't make him a set piece target, but his presence on mop up duty could lead to a few chance goals.