LA Galaxy midfielder Romain Alessandrini will not be available for this Saturday’s away match against New York City FC due to a right hamstring strain he sustained during the team’s 2-1 win Sunday against the Portland Timbers.
“He went back to the doctor today, so we’ll have a better idea what the long-term prognosis is,” Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid said regarding Alessandrini. “It looks like he’s not available for New York, but there is a good chance that he’ll be available for Vancouver.”
Alessandrini reached for his hamstring after an open-field sprint in the 61st minute of Sunday’s match against Portland. He was subbed out immediately and was replaced by Chris Pontius, who later picked up a knock of his own. Pontius’ status still remains to be seen and he is expected to be a game time decision, according to Schmid.
The Galaxy’s depth at the right midfielder position will be tested very early in their 2018 campaign. In addition to the injuries sustained by Alessandrini and Pontius, Sebastian Lleget is slowly and conservatively progressing from a lisfranc fracture that sidelined him for the majority of the 2017 season. Schmid has limited Lleget’s minutes since he’s been cleared to play in an attempt to prevent him from doing too much, too soon.
This slow trickle of players onto the injury list is an unfortunate reminder of what the L.A. Galaxy endured last season. Throughout the 2017 summer months, injuries, suspensions and international call-ups left the roster incredibly thin, which ultimately reflected in the team’s record.
Through preventative rest and maintaining a positive locker room atmosphere, Schmid hopes to steer clear of the same struggles endured last season and return the team to its winning ways.