Sporting Kansas City injury report: Who’s ruled out vs LA Galaxy in MLS week 4?

Sporting Kansas City will face the LA Galaxy on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in a Western Conference six-point affair. If Sporting Kansas City can win their first match of the 2026 MLS season, it would move them level on points with the Galaxy. A loss would leave Sporting further adrift in the early race for Western Conference playoff positions.

The good news for Sporting Kansas City is that it is only MLS Week 4. There is still a significant portion of the season left to play, but positive results need to arrive sooner rather than later.

Sporting Kansas City did add to their roster on Friday by signing Capita Capemba, making him the 23rd player under contract with the club. Capemba will not be involved this weekend, however, as he is still awaiting visa approval to play in the United States.

Possible midfield boost for Sporting Kansas City

There could be a first start for new signing Lasse Berg Johnsen. The Norwegian midfielder was on the bench during Sporting Kansas City’s 1-0 loss to San Diego FC last weekend and could be introduced into the starting lineup against the LA Galaxy.

Johnsen partnering Manu Garcia in midfield would give Sporting Kansas City a different look in the center of the pitch as they attempt to control possession and create more attacking opportunities.

Sporting Kansas City injuries continue

Head coach Raphaël Wicky has been dealing with injury issues since the opening week of the campaign. Sporting’s relatively thin squad was always vulnerable to depth problems. The fragile squad hit an injury crisis quickly.

Right-back Justin Reynolds remains unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury against the San Jose Earthquakes in Week 1. Reynolds could potentially return for Sporting Kansas City’s Week 7 meeting with San Jose depending on how his recovery progresses.

Left-back Zorhan Bassong is also continuing his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. The Canadian defender has not played this season after suffering the injury before the opening-week trip to San Jose.

Defensive depth takes another hit with Ian James ruled out of the match against the Galaxy. James started at center-back against San Jose before filling in at right-back in Week 2 against the Columbus Crew. He is currently dealing with a quad injury suffered in the build-up to last week’s home match against San Diego.

Sporting Kansas City’s goalkeeping depth is also stretched. Back-up goalkeepers Ryan Schewe and Jack Kortkamp are both unavailable for the trip to Los Angeles. Schewe is sidelined with a hand injury, while Kortkamp continues his recovery from an ankle problem.

Galaxy also missing key players

The Galaxy enter the match dealing with several absences of their own. Defender Emiro Garces will miss the game with a foot injury, while left winger Joseph Paintsil is ruled out because of a leg issue.

Sporting Kansas City’s defense will welcome Paintsil’s absence. In four career appearances against Sporting Kansas City, the winger has scored four goals.

Right winger Gabriel Pec will also miss the match after being sent off during the Galaxy’s 4-1 defeat to the Colorado Rapids in MLS Week 3. Pec has already recorded two assists in MLS play this season and recently scored a hat trick in midweek CONCACAF Champions Cup action against Mount Pleasant.

Former Sporting player could feature for LA

Pec’s suspension could open the door for former Sporting Kansas City attacker Erik Thommy to start in the Galaxy’s attack. Thommy made his first appearance of the season last week and remains a familiar figure for Sporting supporters.

Finally, Galaxy defender Chris Rindov is also ruled out with a leg injury. Los Angeles will instead look to striker Joao Klauss to continue his impressive start to the season. The Brazilian forward has four goals in three MLS matches and has scored in each of the Galaxy’s league games so far this year.