LA Galaxy's Martin Caceres ruled out for up to 5 months

LA Galaxy figure Martin Caceres will be sidelined for three to five months after suffering an avulsion fracture in his right knee. 

The defender picked up the injury during the club’s 2-2 draw against Sporting Kansas City on June 21, exiting the pitch at the 85th minute while visibly uncomfortable. Caceres will undergo surgery on June 28, ruling out a possible return until approximately early November. 

Should LA Galaxy want to replace the defender, who has two goals and zero assists in 15 games this season, the options would be limited. Though the Secondary Transfer Window kicks off on July 5, the Western Conference team remains under sanctions that prohibit the club from signing players from abroad. 

The league imposed the punishment on the Galaxy for violating salary budget and roster guidelines during the 2019 campaign. LA Galaxy must look within the league for a potential replacement. 

To make matters worse, the defender's blow comes just two weeks after the Galaxy ruled out Chicharito Hernandez for the remainder of the 2023 Major League Soccer campaign by placing him on the season-ending injury list for a torn ACL. 

Even without the injuries, LA Galaxy was struggling to escape the bottom of the Western Conference. The team currently sits in 13th place with a mere 14 points in 17 games and a record of 3W-9L-5D, failing to win since May 31. 

Now, head coach Greg Vanney will likely depend on Riqui Puig to step up and lead the term to some form of success in MLS, US Open Cup or the upcoming Leagues Cup tournament.

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