In an interview with beIN Sport, Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said that Real Madrid playmaker Kaka will not be coming to the Home Depot Center, while starman Landon Donovan has yet to make a decision on whether he’s returning, but he needs to do it in the next couple of weeks.
Arena said that the Galaxy already has areplacement lined up for David Beckham, but that if Donovan retires, takes a lengthy sabbatical or is sold, then he will have another Designated Player slot to fill. Chelseamidfielder Frank Lampard is most likely the replacement for Beckham, but Real’s Kaka will not be a possible replacement for Donovan, as he “is not on the radar forus,” Arena said.
Of course, Donovan may yet return. “As we get closer to reporting date, we’re going to finalize where he’s headed this year,” Arena said.“You never know with Landon, so we’ll see.” The 30-year-old is not taking part in the U.S. national team training camp in Southern California, which means he will not be playing inthe Hexagonal opener in Honduras on Feb. 6.