Landon Donovan is expected to return to LA Galaxy training next week following his offseason away from the game.
The 31-year old former Galaxy captain took time away from the game over winter to reassess his future but should be back in training very soon as he looks to help the club defend their back-to-back MLS titles.
Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said he wasn't expecting any miracles from Donovan upon his return and admitted the team may have to be patient before they see him back to his best.
"We need to be patient. It's going to take some time," Arena said.
"You don't go from being away to stepping on the field and being ready to play and being up to the level that he left us in December. So it's going to take some time, and we need to be patient."
Donovan's return also coincides with the team's visit to the White House where they will be honoured by President Barack Obama with teammate Mike Magee suggesting the star attacker should not miss such a trip.
"I bet he will be [there]," Magee said. "It's convenient, right? Convenient timing. ... Landon's obviously been a key figure for MLS and the LA Galaxy for a long time, so I'm not surprised he chose not to miss this trip."
