LA Galaxy reportedly lose A.J. DeLaGarza for a month to knee injury

A.J. DeLaGarza reportedly out one month with knee injury

LA Galaxy central defender A.J. DeLaGarza will miss one month, according to the LA Times. DeLaGarza left the Galaxy's 1-1 draw with the Colorado Rapids on Sunday after colliding with Omar Cummings on a stretcher and was initially diagnosed with a knee sprain.

DeLaGarza had an MRI performed Monday and was moving about on crutches Monday night. Doctors have told him he will likely miss a month ... A more complete diagnosis is expected Tuesday.

If DeLaGarza does miss a month, he will be back in time for the playoffs, although he will be walking into them lacking fitness and form. If he misses any more than a month then the Galaxy will be without him for the start of the postseason.

Along with Omar Gonzalez, DeLaGarza gives LA one of the best center back pairings in MLS. The two helped the Galaxy to the MLS Cup last year and were key to LA's resurgence over the last few months, as the team leaned on the center of the defense.

The Galaxy aren't particularly deep at the position, though. Andrew Boyens is a journeyman, David Junior Lopez is average on his best day, Leonardo can't stay fit and Tommy Meyer is a rookie with just five professional appearances to his name. Those are the candidates to replace DeLaGarza at center back, leaving the Galaxy without much option but to pray that he returns in time for the postseason.

AJ DeLaGarza injures, LA Galaxy must cope

The LA Galaxy will be without one of their most reliable defenders for the foreseeable future after AJ DeLaGarza was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Colorado Rapids.