Landon Donovan
(Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images for Sony)

Carson, CA

Midfielder Landon Donovan is expected to return to the Los Angeles Galaxy this season but the team has no idea when will that happen.

Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said that during his talk with Donovan, the star player expressed his intention to return this season after hinting that he might retire or take an extended break.

"We've given Donovan a little more time off," Arena told reporters on the first day of preseason practice. "He's definitely playing this year. We're just working out the return date that makes sense for all of us."

Arena said he understands Donovan's situation as the rigors of Major League Soccer and internationals competition have taken their toll on the 30-year-old player.

"Donovan has had a couple of years that have taken its toll," Arena said. "He needs a little bit more time."

Arena is confident that Donovan has plenty of time to regain his deadly form before the Galaxy open their season against the Chicago Fire on March 3.

Aside from Donovan, 12 other players missed the Galaxy's preseason practice. Robbie Keane is back in London training with EPL side Tottenham Hotspur while Todd Dunivant recently got married and has yet to return from his honeymoon.

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