CARSON, Calif. – Gyasi Zardes is “likely” out for the remainder of the 2016 campaign, but Galaxy boss Bruce Arena refused to shut the door on a potential return by the striker later in the year.
Arena confirmed that Zardes will undergo surgery on Wednesday to repair a stress fracture in his fifth metatarsal on his right foot. Zardes suffered the injury during the first half of the Galaxy’s scoreless draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday.
“However you want to use the word likely, I’ll give you the leeway to do that,” Arena said when asked if Zardes could return for the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Although Zardes’ absence is a major loss for the Galaxy, veteran forward Mike Magee says the time is now for others to step up.
“Gyasi is the No. 9 for the national team and he’s going to start every game for us. That’s his spot. Guys have to start fighting and [the injury] comes at the point where we need guys ramping it up anyway,” Magee said. “It’s a bad time for Gyasi but for some of the guys not playing or on the fringes; it’s the time to fight for your spot.”
