Landon Donovan returns to practice with LA Galaxy, could play Sunday

CARSON, Calif. -- Landon Donovan stepped onto the practice field on Friday as a member of the LA Galaxy's first team for the first time since 2014.

Donovan, 34, came out of retirement on Thursday after nearly two years away from the game. He went through a light practice, and from what action the assembled media were able to observe, Donovan didn't stand out in any way -- positively or negatively -- looking like a player who'd never left at all.

"There are some athletes in the world that with the right motivation and support, there's always the chance that they can come back in their sports and play," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said.

Nothing was promised by Arena about when Donovan would be back in game action, with the coach noncommittal about whether MLS's all-time leading scorer would even make the bench for Sunday's game against Orlando City SC.

A tougher practice is scheduled for Saturday to test Donovan's physical skills more completely.

"Outside chance, but I wouldn't know that until tomorrow. If you asked me right now, I'd say no. That can change," Arena said. "He'll be in his first one tomorrow. We'll move him along at the right time.

"We have to try to get Landon to a place where he can run well enough to touch a soccer ball. We'll see. I don't think we know the [timetable]. There's no science to it right now. He had a good week of training from what I'm told by our training staff. We'll keep him progressing each day and hopefully get him to a point where he can help our team."

When he retired in 2014, Donovan left as a champion, having helped lead the Galaxy to a record fifth MLS championship and his sixth title overall.

The Galaxy had a roster spot available because the team recently lost Gyasi Zardes to a season-ending injury. In addition, the team mutually ended a contract with Nigel de Jong, who joined Turkey's Galatasaray.

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To return to a top professional level after nearly two years away is unusual, though Michael Jordan, in basketball, also came back in a similar amount of time after his initial NBA retirement.

Donovan's goals are a mix of the modest and ambitious. He expects to contribute, at least initially, as a substitute, and he wants to help the team win another MLS Cup.

"I can help out in a small way," said Donovan. "The reason I'm here is to help win a championship."

Donovan's teammates haven't lost confidence in his ability.

"He'll be a little rusty for a while, but then he'll be fine," said Galaxy captain Robbie Keane.

The Galaxy previously had another player come out of retirement to play for the squad. Defender Robbie Rogers came out as gay in 2013, announcing his retirement at the same time. After a few months, however, he signed with the Galaxy and has been with the team since.

"In terms of just the sport, it's about getting fit again, finding that quickness and that power," Rogers said of Donovan's return. "He looks good, he looks sharp. He's a freak athlete. He can play until he's 40 years old if he wants to."

Even teammates who had never played with Donovan in the past were eager for the experience.

"He's the best player in the history of the United States, the best player in the history of this club," said Mexico international Giovani Dos Santos. "To be able to play alongside Landon for me is going to be an honor."

Though his contract is only until the end of this year, Donovan hasn't closed the door completely to staying on longer.

"Never say never," Donovan said.