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After missing the previous two matches recovering from a hamstring injury suffered during the match with the LA Galaxy, Carlos Vela has been removed from the team’s official injury report ahead of Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Union.
This will come as good news to a team that has struggled for form in his absence. To a certain degree, this was to be expected as Vince La Rosa had reported on the Inside LAFC MVP podcast that Vela had flown out to Philadelphia and has since participated in group training.
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The only question that remains is the extent to which Vela will participate due to his overall match fitness. The LAFC performance staff has demonstrated its tendency to be fairly conservative in their return-to-sport protocol, so there is a chance that his minutes will be managed accordingly. Below you will find the common protocol by which most medical professionals will manage a players return to the field.
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With the team currently at full strength, the coaching staff will have more at their disposal to manage the game with consideration paid to Vela’s recovery. With a potential chance to secure the Supporters’ Shield and Vela likely anxious to get back to his record-setting form, it is important that the team continue to manage this situation’s bigger picture perspective as the team makes their push for MLS Cup.
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