CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy midfielder Jeff Larentowicz is making significant strides to return to the field after offseason hernia surgery.
The 32-year-old midfielder recently returned to full training after missing the entire preseason to recover from the hernia surgery. After being unavailable for the team’s first five games across all competitions, the veteran is anxious to get back to work.
“I feel pretty good. I think I’m finally letting myself go. When you’re injured for a while, you get caught in your own head. It’s good. It’s nice to be back with the guys and feel normal again,” Larentowicz told LAGalaxy.com. “[When I return] is up to the coaches. I feel fit, and I feel strong. The thing now is to make sure that I can do it day after day after day. I hope to help the team soon.”
The injury was particularly difficult to return from given Larentowicz’s relative good luck with injuries over the year. With over 300 appearances across his 10-year MLS career, the Pasadena native has been a consistent figure throughout his career.
“It’s extremely difficult to come somewhere new and not be able to do what you’re brought to do,” Larentowicz said. “You’re meeting new people and you want them to get to know you, but it’s hard because you’re stuck in your own head for a long time. To feel normal is good, to feel like a soccer player is good. It’s been nice for a couple days and I just want to keep going.”
If healthy, the midfielder could have an opportunity to return to the fold this week. With Steven Gerrard still injured, Larentowicz is an option in central midfield for Arena, however, he is unsure if he could slot in.
“I think I can help in any of those spots. Baggio has been playing great at this point so I see myself at the bottom of the pecking order of the whole team,” he said. “I just have to work myself in. However, they see fit to use me will work, and if not, I’ll just keep pushing to get in there.”
