Riqui Puig returns to the operating room for cruciate ligament injury: "The doctor gave me the news I never wanted to hear"

R iqui Puig , former Barcelona midfielder and Los Angeles Galaxy figure in MLS, underwent surgery again on Saturday for his cruciate ligament injury suffered in December 2024 and will remain out until the 2027 season of the U.S. league, the Los Angeles franchise reported. Puig successfully underwent surgery to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, just over a year after undergoing the same operation .

Due to this serious injury, the midfielder missed the entire last MLS season and will remain off the pitch in the 2026 campaign.

"Puig is expected to make a full recovery and be ready to join the roster for the start of the 2027 season," the Galaxy said.

Riqui Puig was injured in a non-contact play during the Galaxy-Sounders game in December 2024. Despite the mishap, the Spaniard continued to play for half an hour with a torn cruciate ligament.

He also provided the assist that sent the Galaxy to the final that year against the New York Red Bulls

Riqui, dejected

Riqui Puig himself did not hide his desolation at a new setback in his career. He did so in a message on his social networks:

After a whole year working every day with only one goal in mind, yesterday, in a medical check-up, the doctor gave me news that you never want to hear: the plastic surgery was not right and I had to go back to the operating room. It is not easy to find the words after all that I have experienced. Without a doubt, it is one of the hardest and most difficult moments that I have had to manage in my life, both personally and professionally. But today I can say that the operation went well, and that gives me strength and peace of mind to look ahead. Now I only have one thing in mind: to start working now, to train with more enthusiasm than ever and to try to be the Riqui Puig that you all know. With more desire, more hunger and more strength. I want to thank my family and friends from the bottom of my heart for always being there, but especially the Galaxy, for how they have cared for me, respected me and supported me at all times. Also to all of you, for every message, every word of encouragement and every show of affection I have received these days. It really means so much more than you can imagine. I hope to return soon, better than ever, and that you will wait for me. I am looking forward to enjoying myself on the pitch again and to making you enjoy yourself as I have always tried to do. I love you very much.

Thank you for your unconditional support.

Best regards,

Riqui Puig