An already rough LA Galaxy season just got a lot rougher.
The Galaxy announced on Friday that star forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernández tore the ACL in his right knee during Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup loss at Real Salt Lake.
Midway through the first half, the Mexican striker went down with a non-contact injury and had to be removed from the game immediately. The Galaxy would go on to lose 3-2 and be eliminated from the Open Cup at the quarterfinal stage.
“The LA Galaxy today announced that forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernández sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during the club’s 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match against Real Salt Lake on June 7,” a club release said. “Hernández will undergo surgery on a date to be determined to begin the rehabilitation process.”
The news is a blow for a Galaxy team that is already sitting in last place in the Western Conference, collecting just 12 points from its first 15 league games.
The team’s poor start has already cost president Chris Klein his job, with head coach Greg Vanney under major pressure as well.
For Chicharito, the injury is a major setback from a personal standpoint as well. Having just turned 35 and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, the striker faces an uncertain future.
Chicharito has scored 38 goals in 74 league matches since making his Galaxy debut in 2020.
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