Already shorthanded up top due to Robbie Keane's absence, the LA Galaxy will also have to make do without his strike partner for the time being.
Edson Buddle will miss three to six weeks after the striker underwent knee surgery on Monday, the club announced. Buddle has scored two goals this season, including a tally against Houston in the Galaxy's most recent regular-season match, a 2-1 loss in Texas on May 26.
Buddle traveled to North Carolina for the Galaxy's US Open Cup match against the Carolina RailHawks last week. He trained on May 28 and said in an interview then that he expected to play but ultimately did not appear in the match.
Buddle and Keane have combined for five goals on the season. Keane is with the Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2012 and could miss a handful of games due to the tournament.
The Galaxy seem to have dodged a bullet further back, though. Center back Leonardo was stretchered off the field in the 10th minute in this past Saturday’s Reserve League match against Portland, shortly after scoring a goal, with an apparent knee injury. However, tests revealed no structural damage and the Brazilian defender is listed as questionable in the Galaxy’s most recent injury report.
Leonardo had played 90 minutes against the RailHawks just five days prior, his longest stint since tearing knee ligaments in April of last year. There was no timetable set for his return, the club said.
Meanwhile, midfielder Dan Keat is also out for up to six weeks after knee surgery. The 24-year-old has one league start under his belt, having gone the distance in a 1-1 draw at Montreal on May 12.
