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Carlos Vela hasn’t played for LAFC since being “accidentally” subbed off 22 minutes into the season opener. Up until about a week ago, he hadn’t even been training.
But after participating in most of this week’s sessions, Vela could make his return against the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.
“There’s a possibility for some minutes,” LAFC head coach Bob Bradley told reporters on Friday.
Vela’s inclusion may not be quite as big of a deal as it may seem, though. Despite putting up some rather eye-popping offensive numbers — he averages .84 goals per 90 during his MLS career — LAFC’s net performance hasn’t always benefitted when he’s available.
Small-sample size aside, LAFC’s goal-difference was actually .46 per 90 minutes when Vela was on the field vs. when he wasn’t last year, according to FBRef.com. This year, LAFC have managed to go 1-1-2 almost entirely without Vela, albeit with just five goals scored.