LAFC injury analysis: Danilo Silva set to miss the rest of the season

Lost in the celebration that followed Los Angeles Football Club winning the Supporters’ Shield was injury news that released ahead of Wednesday’s match with the Houston Dynamo. First, the team announced that defender Danilo Silva had undergone successful season-ending lumbar disc surgery.

Injuries to the lumbar spine discs can resulting in an onset of low back pain, as well as symptoms such as pain/numbness/tingling extending into one or both of the legs. While the details of the specific surgery have not been released, the minimum timeline for return to sport is normally approximately 4-6 months. Given the severity of this type of surgery and what it can mean for quality of life (even beyond soccer), we are wishing Danilo the best in his recovery.

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In addition to Silva, forward Josh Perez was also added to the injury report, as he is currently recovering from a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain. While other knee ligament injuries typically require surgery, the MCL is usually managed non-surgically due to the high vascularization (blood supply) in the medial knee. If the damage isn’t too extensive (grade 1 or 2), treatment usually includes bracing and physical therapy. The return to sport protocol typically requires between three (Grade I) to eight weeks (Grade II).

With the playoffs just around the corner, the team will be hoping that Josh Perez’s recovery goes both smoothly. However, because the knee’s stability will be compromised as he goes through the healing process, it is also one that cannot be rushed. Given that we have yet to see any reports ruling him out of the playoffs, I would think he should hopefully make his return for the stretch run.

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