Javier “Chicharito” Hernández's 2023 season is done.
The LA Galaxy announced they put the 35-year-old striker on the Season-Ending Injury list on Wednesday — unsurprisingly. Mexico’s all-time leading scorer suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the Galaxy’s 3-2 loss versus Real Salt Lake on June 7 in U.S. Open Cup play. He will undergo surgery at a later date and begin the rehabilitation process.
Hernández is in the final year of his contract with the Galaxy. He became the team's most expensive signing of all time when he joined LA in 2020, with a reported fee of $9.4 million. His appearance against Salt Lake is likely the last time he plays in Galaxy colors. He finishes this season with just one goal and one assist in nine appearances. In 89 appearances total for the club, he scored 39 goals and recorded seven assists.
By putting him on the SEI list, the Galaxy recoups the Designated Player and international roster spot Hernández occupled. The Striker explored potential players the club could target in an article last Wednesday — despite sanctions in the secondary transfer window limiting what they can do. It’s important to note the Galaxy can sign international free agents before or after the window.
With Chicharito and Joveljić out for Wednesday’s fixture versus Sporting Kansas City, the club added some reinforcements from LA Galaxy II. The Galaxy announced Cameroon striker Aaron Bibout has been added to the roster on a short-term loan. The 18-year-old has eight goals and two assists in the 13 games for the MLS Next Pro side – that tally ranks second in the league. Bibout will occupy the international roster slot created by the Chicharito move.
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