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Injuries Complicate LA Galaxy: Midfielder Gastón Brugman is the Latest Absentee

By Arthur Fernandes

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JULY 4: Gaston Brugman of LA Galaxy during the MLS game between LA Galaxy and LAFC at Rose Bowl Stadium on July 4, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JULY 4: Gaston Brugman of LA Galaxy during the MLS game between LA Galaxy and LAFC at Rose Bowl Stadium on July 4, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images) /
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LA Galaxy is dealing with a series of challenges due to injuries, with another key player added to the list of absentees. Midfielder Gastón Brugman suffered a meniscus injury during the Copa de la Liga match against Liga MX’s Club León. The news was revealed by the team’s coach and sporting director, Greg Vanney, last Friday.

Brugman’s injury was described as a “non-contact moment,” and the 30-year-old player is scheduled for knee surgery early next week. The severity of the injury is yet to be fully determined, and LA Galaxy awaits more information after the surgical procedure.

This is the third significant setback the team has faced in 2023, following forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in early June and defender Martín Cáceres being sidelined since late June due to a knee injury.

Brugman has been a pillar in LA Galaxy’s midfield since joining the club in July 2022 from Parma in Italy. With five goals and three assists in 36 matches, the midfielder formed a formidable central midfield trio with Mark Delgado and Riqui Puig. Since Chicharito’s injury, Brugman has taken on the captain’s armband, showcasing his importance and leadership within the team.

STANFORD, CA – JULY 1: Gastón Brugman #5 of the Los Angeles Galaxy advances the ball during a game between Los Angeles Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes at Stanford Stadium on July 1, 2023 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Bob Drebin/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
STANFORD, CA – JULY 1: Gastón Brugman #5 of the Los Angeles Galaxy advances the ball during a game between Los Angeles Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes at Stanford Stadium on July 1, 2023 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Bob Drebin/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /

Brugman’s injury represents a significant blow to LA Galaxy, which will need to seek alternatives and bolster the squad’s depth to overcome the key absences. Vanney emphasized the need for other players to step up in the position, not necessarily as a direct replacement for Brugman, but to contribute to the team’s tactical system.

The California-based club hopes to complete a turnaround from its slow start to the season after the conclusion of the Leagues Cup. Currently in 13th place in the Western Conference table, LA Galaxy is seven points behind the playoff spots for the Audi MLS Cup, with 12 games remaining in the season.

However, the quest for reinforcements may be limited due to ongoing transfer sanctions, restricting the signing of domestic players before the Secondary Transfer Window closes on August 2nd. Nevertheless, the club is determined to strengthen the squad to cope with the injuries and seek improved performances in the upcoming matches.

LA Galaxy fans anxiously follow updates on Brugman’s recovery and the potential arrival of new reinforcements. In the meantime, coach Hernán Losada will face the challenge of assembling a competitive team to tackle the upcoming challenges and secure a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.

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