CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy forward Jose Villarreal is targeting a return to the field this Saturday against Columbus Crew SC less than two weeks after suffering a left shoulder sprain.
The 21-year-old attacker has trained in full since last Friday but was unable to suit up against Vancouver Whitecaps FC due to the shoulder sprain suffered days earlier against New England. With the Galaxy training staff keeping close tabs on his shoulder, Villarreal has made a quick recovery, and could be in line to play as early as Saturday.
“I feel good. It was a hard [training] session on Monday and today, and I feel great. I’m going to continue to work to get ready and hopefully be back this weekend against Columbus,” Villarreal said. “My shoulder is a little sore but I’m going to keep on icing it which causes the pain to ease. … It’s definitely getting better.”
Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena echoes Villarreal’s optimism stating that “it’s possible” that he can be available for Saturday’s match in Columbus.
“I always try to help the team in any way that I can,” said Villarreal. “This has been frustrating with all the injuries that I’ve had and I want to get back to playing normally.”
