The MLS season has kicked off and LAFC is looking to turn things around in 2022. After winning the Supporter's Shield in 2019, the club has fallen on hard times the last two seasons. Things took a turn for the worse on Sunday, when LAFC star Carlos Vela left the pitch with what appeared to be a knee injury. On Friday, LAFC Manager Steve Cherunoldo provided an update on Vela's status, that should allow fans of the club to breath a sigh of relief.

Cherunoldo noted that Vela had rejoined the squad and has been training with the team ahead of Saturday's match at Inter Miami CF.

“We had a good productive week of training, able to get a few guys back as well from injury,” Cherundolo said. “Carlos, most notably, trained and will be with us against Miami,” noted MLS writer Jonathan Sigal.

Injuries are nothing new for the 33-year old LAFC forward. He spent time both in 2020 and 2021 missing time, totaling 27 matches missed. But Vela looked to have turned a page in the season opener last week.

The LAFC superstar scored a hat trick the first match of the season in a 3-nil win against the Colorado Rapids. The team then finished in a 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers on Sunday when Vela left the pitch.

Since the franchise began playing in the Major League Soccer in 2018, it immediately took hold in Los Angeles. The atmosphere was renowned throughout the MLS as possibly the most raucous and intense. Vela was a big part of that. In 2019, Vela put together one of the greatest seasons in league history, with 34 goals and 15 assists in only 31 matches.

It sounds as though Vela will be back and close to full strength against Miami.