LAFC Will Be Without Carlos Vela For Midweek Clash Against Real Salt Lake
Aug 25, 2020, 1:35 PM
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake are preparing for their first home game since the return of the MLS season following the MLS Is Back tournament, fortunately, RSL will not have to worry about one of the league’s most dangerous attackers this Wednesday evening.
Carlos Vela has been ruled out of the upcoming fixture against Real Salt Lake with a grade two MCL strain, according to LAFC manager Bob Bradley.
.@LAFC coach Bob Bradley confirming that Carlos Vela has a grade 2 Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury. Says he should be able to run quite soon, but his comeback will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Didn't give a set timeframe.
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) August 25, 2020
His return date is unknown, however, Bradley did admit that Vela will be evaluated in one to two weeks are is likely to return sooner than what was first feared.
Vela, 31, was substituted in the 57th minute of the game last weekend in the 2-0 loss to LA Galaxy. After receiving a pass on the right-wing, Vela trapped the ball with the outside of his preferred left boot before going down holding his knee.
In 2019, Vela led the league with 34 goals while also adding a league-third-best 15 assists.
This year, Vela’s teammate Diego Rossi currently leads all-comers with 6 goals on the season. Vela opted not to travel to Orlando, Florida and compete in the MLS Is Back tournament, instead, he stayed home in Los Angeles with his family.
Game Information
How We're Keeping Rio Tinto Stadium Safe
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) August 25, 2020
This Wednesday, August 28, at 7:30 p.m. Real Salt Lake will host Los Angeles Football Club at Rio Tinto Stadium.
The occasion marks the first meeting between the two clubs this season. Real Salt Lake is coming off a 4-1 road victory against Colorado while LAFC lost at home to the LA Galaxy 2-0.
The match can be watched at KSLSports.com or by downloading the KSL TV app.
Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.