"You've got to crawl before you walk": Updates on Riqui Puig's rehab
From surgery room to the training pitch—Puig’s ACL recovery enters a new phase. Still ways to go before return to on-ball activities
220 days after suffering his ACL tear in the Western Conference Semifinals, Riqui Puig was back on the training pitch with the rest of his team. He’s still not a full participant in training, but getting the Spanish midfielder back is a major morale boost for everyone in the LA Galaxy’s camp.
“A smile to everybody's faces and a big smile to his as well,” said midfielder Edwin Cerrillo following Thursday’s training.
“I never want to be in that position, not going with so I know it's definitely hard and just mentally draining, but to see him on the field with a big smile on his face makes everybody happy,” he added
Puig has been regular at games this season with a special designated seating area for him and his party that comes to matches at Dignity Health Sports Park. He’s in the gym working day in and day out to remain in shape. Puig is also involved in the film sessions and continues to be a key part of the team environment.
“It's great to have [Puig] out here again, just his energy, his spirit, but the guys are joyful just to see him out,” said Head Coach Greg Vanney to reporters.
“They know how hard he's working to get back out. And for me, it's a milestone to get back out on the grass and to be running around and moving like a soccer player.”
The ACL is a critical ligament in the knee, especially for a player like Puig whose game is defined by creativity, quick changes of direction, and tight ball control in tight spaces. The injury not only takes a toll physically but can also affect a player's rhythm, confidence, and fearlessness—qualities that have made Puig a standout figure in Major League Soccer.
Vanney says Puig has resumed running on the grass and is working on movement mechanics, but is not yet engaging in lateral drills or ball work.
“It's just all reintegration stuff in him, developing coordination, developing confidence in different types of movements. But this is, you've got to crawl before you walk and before you run and before you sprint and all that stuff. So it's a process,” said Vanney.
“You've got to take all those very controlled movements and then increase speed, and then eventually get to a place where they're actually not controlled anymore. You're in a reactive situation, and then you're talking about adding a ball and adding all the so there's still a lot of process left in front, but getting out on the grass and starting to do this is a big milestone,” added Vanney.
With the playoffs looking unlikely at this moment, the return of Puig at the end of the season is something both the club and fan base are looking forward to.
Despite not playing a minute this season, Puig’s presence remains in LA Galaxy land. The stadium erupts with cheers and applause when he’s shown on the big screen at home matches. Puig voiced his approval of Vanney’s contract extension earlier this season.
The face of the LA Galaxy may still be months away from returning to action, but his presence off the field and progress in rehab remind everyone why he's at the heart of the club’s identity.