AJ DeLaGarza injures, LA Galaxy must cope

Just as the LA Galaxy seemed to be returning to full health, they suffered another injury to a key player when AJ DeLaGarza was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Colorado Rapids with what the team initially has called a knee sprain. DeLaGarza was due to undergo more tests after returning to Los Angeles, but the expectation is that he would miss at least several weeks. The injury occurred in the 30th minute when he clashed knees with Omar Cummings on a 50/50 ball.

DeLaGarza has been one of the Galaxy's most reliable players over the past two seasons, appearing in a team-high 60 matches. No player has seen more time on the Galaxy defense than DeLaGarza this season and only Sean Franklin, who has dabbled in the midfield, has played in more games. DeLaGarza has appeared at center back and right back this season and had once again started to show the kind of synergy with Omar Gonzalez that has made them one of the top pairings in the league for several years.

The Galaxy currently sit in third place in the Western Conference, one point ahead of the Seattle Sounders but having played one more match. The best-case scenario for DeLaGarza might be that he's able to return in time for the season-finale against the Sounders on Oct. 28.

For more updates on DeLaGarza's health, be sure to follow LAG Confidential's StoryStream.