The Los Angeles Galaxy started preseason training for 2013 Major League Soccer season with captain Landon Donovan notably absent, but head coach Bruce Arena expects him back later this year.
“We gave [Donovan] a little more time,” Arena told reporters at Home Depot Center on Monday. “Certainly he’s playing this year. Simply we strive return date sense for all of us.”
The Galaxy star took time after winning the 2012 MLS Cup to decide his playing future, the retirement of a practical option. But then met with Donovan Arena this weekend, this scenario seems unlikely.
“I thought he was going to come back, I think he just needs an extended vacation absence,” said Arena. “He had a few years took its toll.”
The Donovan timetable for a return is uncertain, but with less than six weeks until the season opener, he is likely to make a decision in the next few weeks fit for the first match.
“He, like any player, needs time. The longer he takes off, you take him to be ready to play,” said Arena. “In general, we want to see some players get three or four weeks to bring along their fitness.”
Galaxy play the Chicago Fire on March 3 at home to start the 2013 campaign.
