LA Galaxy waiting on Zlatan and Antuna for LAFC showdown
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is carrying a knock while Uriel Antuna has a virus, but Guillermo Barros Schelotto is expecting both to fit for the MLS Cup semi-finals.
LA Galaxy are waiting on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Uriel Antuna ahead of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals on Thursday, when Guillermo Barros Schelotto will take his side to the Banc of California Stadium to face LAFC in the eagerly awaited El Trafico, where the conference winners and MLS CUP finalists will be decided.
Ibrahimovic is carrying a knock from the first-round 2-1 victory over Minnesota United while the Mexico international midfielder, on loan from Manchester City, has been ill. Neither of the two starters trained on Tuesday but Barros Schelotto spoke to reporters after the open session and expressed the club’s hope that both players would be fit for the semi-final.
“He’s ill, but I think he’ll be able to train tomorrow [Wednesday] and that there won’t be a problem, but we’ll have to wait and see. It’s a kind of virus, but it’s nothing serious,” the Galaxy coach said of Antuna, adding that Ibrahimovic should also be available: “He has a knock on the leg but again it’s nothing major, it’s only been a couple of days since the game against Minnesota and it’s normal that the players are still hurting a bit, but we expect he’ll be ok to train on the pitch on Wednesday.”
Ibrahimovic seeking MLS glory in final season at Galaxy
LA Galaxy are seeking a first MLS Cup final appearance since 2014, when they defeated New England Revolution in extra time for their last league title triumph. LAFC, the winners of the 2019 Supporters’ Shield, are attempting to reach the MLS Cup final for the first time.
Ibrahimovic is expected to leave LA Galaxy after the conclusion of post-season, with offers from Bologna and Napoli reportedly on the table for the 38-year-old.