The Los Angeles Galaxy were hit with a hammer blow when they got the news that veteran right back Chris Albright will miss an extended period of time after suffering a serious hamstring injury.
The injury was severe enough to require surgery on Thursday, and as a result there is no timetable set for the U.S. international's return.
Against Chivas USA last Sunday, Albright landed awkwardly after heading away a cross in the opening 15 minutes of the game. He went to the ground immediately, and the Galaxy training staff was quickly calling for a substitution. Albright said he knew it was going to be bad news immediately.
"Yes," he knew right away, said Albright. "I didn't know the severity of it. It was kind of a nerve sensation too with my sciatic nerve, so I wasn't sure if that was over-intensifying the actual injury."
The diagnosis came later in the week when he was found to have a severe strain and a slight tear of the hamstring, though until the surgery was performed, the entire extent of the damage wouldn't be known. Regardless, a speedy recovery is almost certainly out of the question.
"It's disappointing obviously. It's not the best timing," said Albright. "Everybody deals with their fair share of injuries. I'll come out of it a better man hopefully. I think it will be a lengthy recovery."
Albright's injury came on the cusp of the U.S. national team announcing its roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup. With the USA also participating in Copa America this summer, Albright had a good chance to receive a call-up for one or both of the tournaments, but he now admits there very little chance for him to participate in either.
"I'm trying to just worry about getting this thing better and getting healthy," said Albright. "Those immediate tournaments are probably going to be out of the question."
As disappointing as it is for Albright to miss out on a chance to represent his country, it makes things difficult for his club team as well. Los Angeles are currently trying to shore up the defense and Albright's veteran leadership will be sorely missed on the field.
"Chris is one of those guys you need back there. He brings his leadership. He brings his athleticism getting forward and back," said fellow defender Tyrone Marshall. "I've been playing with Chris the last five years and not seeing him back there is going to be a tremendous loss."
The Galaxy have options at right back, but the defense is getting stretched thin. Troy Roberts is still out with a hip injury and Ian Russell is just getting back to game fitness. Add to that the fact that Nathan Sturgis is likely to be on the U.S. under-20 national team for this summer's FIFA Youth World Cup and that Ante Jazic has been named to Canada's preliminary roster for the Gold Cup, and Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop's options are starting to get very limited.
Help is on the way though, as Abel Xavier will be eligible to suit up for the Galaxy on June 15 and second-year defender Kyle Veris is also available. Still, regardless of who steps onto the field for L.A., with his 144 career starts in a Galaxy jersey, Albright's loss will be a very difficult blow to deal with.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
