Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard needs a scan on his injured hamstring and is likely to miss their FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace.
LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said he was surprised by Steven Gerrard’s high level of excitement about moving to Major League Soccer, after the two met on Thursday.
Arena made the short trip from the Galaxy’s preseason camp in Dublin to meet with Gerrard at Anfield ahead of Liverpool’s Europa League match against Besiktas.
Gerrard will see out his final season with Liverpool before joining LA in July, but Arena said the 34-year-old is looking forward to the new challenge.
“I saw him yesterday and I was surprised to see how excited Steven is to come to Los Angeles,” Arena said at a news conference on Friday.
“Obviously, he knows that he has a huge obligation to fulfill with Liverpool and to close out his career there in the right manner. They are involved in some cup competitions, and then he will be very eager to get to Los Angeles.”
Gerrard will be eligible to play for United once MLS’ summer transfer window opens July 1, though Arena said the Galaxy will take time to adjust before taking the pitch:
“He may come over if his schedule permits before he arrives in June or July,” Arena told the Galaxy’s website. “He’d have a chance to get a feel for the city and other things, but he’s an experienced person and he will be able to adapt to regardless. I’m quite optimistic about that.”
Steven Gerrard will say farewell to Anfield when he joins the LA Galaxy in the summer.
Once he joins his new club, Gerrard will team up with Robbie Keane, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be replacing the Republic of Ireland striker as captain or designated penalty-taker.
“I think he and Robbie are going to be fantastic together and we’re real excited to have players of the quality of Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard with the LA Galaxy,” Arena said.
On the topic of which established goal scorer will take penalties, Arena tabbed Keane, saying “He’s taking them until he misses his next one. He’s our captain and our penalty taker — until he tells me otherwise.”
A day earlier, Keane laughed off a question when asked if Gerrard will supplant him as captain.
“He is arriving as an addition, not as a replacement as captain,” Keane told reporters. “I’m looking forward to it. I’ve obviously spoken to him and he’s excited about it and he’s looking forward to a new challenge. He will be a great addition to our squad.”