CARSON, Calif. -- Nigel de Jong says that the knock he suffered at the end of the LA Galaxy's victory over the San Jose Earthquakes will not keep him out of this weekend's match with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
De Jong twisted his left ankle in the dying minutes of the Galaxy’s 3-1 win on March 19. Following the match, the Dutchman said that the ankle injury would not hinder him, and after training last Thursday, he echoed that sentiment.
"It was OK. Just a little knock I got from their players. It was nothing serious; I stopped at the end of the game, and put an ice package on it,” De Jong said. “I've been training for the last few days. Physically, I'm feeling great. It took me a few weeks to get used to the weather and the circumstances, as well as the team, but I'm ready to give it a 110 percent on the pitch.”
De Jong trained in full on Monday after the Galaxy were off all weekend.
The 31-year-old midfielder was also quick to alleviate any concerns that BC Place's turf surface will keep him from playing on Saturday.
"I have no problems with turf,” De Jong said. “I still have all my knees and all my ankles... I'm still young, so I have no problem with turf. We just have to go there and prepare well for that game."
