How much does the LA Galaxy lose without ‘Chicharito’ Hernández?

Life without Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández has been difficult for the Los Angeles Galaxy during the start of the 2023 MLS campaign. The most decorated team in the league had to wait until week 2 of the campaign to play because their opening match against Los Angeles FC was rescheduled for 4 July due to inclement weather.

So the Galaxy started their campaign on the road against FC Dallas and lost 3-1 on 4 March at Toyota Stadium. Dejan Jovelic started at striker since Chicharito was not available for that match and the Serbian international didn’t waste any time in finding the back of the net to give the Galaxy an early lead in the 35th minute.

The Galaxy will miss their captain

Unfortunately, that was all he did for the Galaxy as they were unable to contain the offensive pressure from the home side and ended up losing 3-1 after 90 minutes. The absence of Hernández leaves the Los Angeles-based team without their leader and their best offensive weapon in the upcoming games.

The Mexican international was ready to enter his fourth full season with the team, after being the leading scorer in the past two years. During the 2021 campaign, Chicharito scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 21 appearances. The following year the former Chivas and Manchester United striker improved his performance and found the back of the net 18 times in 32 appearances.

Chicharito continues with his recovery and, although there is no set timeline on his return, the 34-year-old suffered a grade 1 hamstring injury and seems likely to miss the next four games on top of the defeat to Dallas. If this is the case, he’ll be sidelined for the upcoming clashes with Sporting KC (11 March), Vancouver (18 March), Portland (25 March) and Seattle (1 April).

Meanwhile, Riqui Puig will have to build chemistry with Jovelic quickly during the absence of Chicharito if he wants to help the Galaxy score goals and give them better opportunities to win their next matches.