Vacationing Galaxy playmaker Landon Donovan will return to the club the week of March 24, coach Bruce Arena confirmed Monday — albeit somewhat reluctantly.
Citing burnout, Donovan had requested additional time off and used it to head to Cambodia for a vacation as the MLS season began. The club had said the last week of March was his projected return date, but this is the first time a specific date was mentioned. Since the Galaxy customarily take the Sunday following a game off, Donovan is expected back on Monday, March 25, Arena indicated.
“He’s filed for social security benefits and discovered he’s too young for them at the moment,” quipped Arena.
The announcement came as the Galaxy prepared for their second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal against Costa Rican team Herediano. The teams played to a 0-0 tie in the first leg last Thursday in the Central American country.
Capacity for Wednesday’s game at 24,500-seat Home Depot Center has been capped at 12,500, Galaxy President Chris Klein said today (it’s a school night for Cal State Dominguez Hlls, so attendace is limited to ensure students have parking available).
Arena also confirmed today that injured reserve central defender Tommy Meyer has returned to training.
I’ll have more on this week’s CCL game and Sunday’s SuperClasico in this week’s column on Tuesday.
Incidentally, it appears empathy for Donovan is wearing thin among the ranks of some fans:
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