As the LA Galaxy look to lock down a spot in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs, they could be regaining the services of one of their most vital contributors.
Midfielder Romain Alessandrini reportedly returned to the training ground on Thursday, five months after he suffered a meniscus injury in a match against the Houston Dynamo on April 19, according to Megan Reza Kazemi of Spectrum Sportsnet.
To state the obvious, the return of Alessandrini could be a major boost for the Galaxy, should he be able to get back on the field and work his way back to fitness. At his best, the 30-year-old Frenchman is a game-changing attacking force capable of stuffing the stat sheet. He's logged 24 goals and 22 assists in 61 career MLS games, racking up 13g/12a in 2017 and managing an 11g/9a line last season in 23 starts.
Throw that skillset into the mix with an attack that already features a star-studded cast including striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as well as midfielders Cristian Pavon and Sebastian Lletget and the Galaxy would certainly have the look of a potential goal-scoring juggernaut on paper.
Of course, the Galaxy still need to qualify for the playoffs, which isn't a foregone conclusion with their 45 points currently leaving them just two points clear of the cutoff line. Alessandrini's potential return also wouldn't really address the team's biggest issue this season, which has been its inconsistent, leaky back line.
If he does make it back, though, and he's able to swiftly regain his old form, not many MLS defenses are going to be excited to face the Galaxy come playoff time.
