Los Angeles FC are gearing up for tonight's Leagues Cup 2023 round of 16 clash against Real Salt Lake, where they will have to make do with one notable absentee from the squad.
The player is Carlos Vela, one of the crucial cogs in Steve Cherundolo's set-up, who won't be out on the pitch after suffering an injury in the previous game, a resounding 7-1 win over FC Juárez.
"Carlos is still recovering. There's no important update, but he won't be called up for the game. It's similar to what happened in Minnesota, but it's nothing dramatic. It won't be anything long-term, but he's not at 100% yet and he's recovering", Cherundolo explained in his press conference.
LAFC received a bye directly to the competition's knockout stages as the 2022 Major League Soccer Cup winners. The team couldn't have wished for a better start as they thrashed FC Juárez, with Vela himself starring with a double after scoring on the half-hour and the hour marks. He was unable to see out the game and was substituted 20 minutes from time.
When will Carlos Vela return to the Los Angeles FC squad?
The MLS team's medical team are yet to announce the nature nor the gravityof the injury that Vela has suffered - although according to his coach, the issue is nothing serious.
As a result, the veteran could be in line for a return to action should his teammates advance to the next round tonight, as they set their sights on this summer's continental title.
