CARSON, Calif. -- LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena and midfielder Nigel de Jong were quick to assuage any injury worries about the midfielder on Saturday after a nervy ending to the Galaxy's 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes.
On the final play of the game, De Jong appeared to twist his ankle away from contact causing some to worry that the influential Dutchman may suffer the same fate as his midfield partner Steven Gerrard. However, after the match, Arena told the press that he was "sure De Jong will be fine," and the midfielder echoed those comments moments later.
"Ankle is okay," said De Jong. "It's okay. ... It's just a little knock."
After throwing cold water on his old injury worries, De Jong did note that the recent rash of injuries to the likes of Gerrard, Giovani dos Santos, Dan Kennedy, and others is concerning, but not impossible to overcome given the club's depth.
“It’s always hard. They’re important players for us," De Jong said. "But you’ve got to give credit to the guys who came off the bench as well today. Baggio [Husidic] and the rest of the guys, you’ve got to give credit to them.”
