Zlatan’s ruling will affect Chicharito

Zlatan Ibrahimovic set a precedent in 2018 not precisely because of something positive, but because his refusal to play the All-Star Game that year prompted the MLS to establish the ‘Zlatan’ rule which today could affect Javier Chicharito Hernandez.

The rule states that if a player decides not to participate in an All-Star Game, he or she cannot appear in his team’s next league game as well, in order to encourage players to participate and avoid dribbling.

However, Chicharito’s case is complicated. The Mexican striker played 11 consecutive games without appearing for the LA Galaxy due to a calf injury. The club has taken his recovery cautiously to avoid later setbacks, and has been hoping to count on him next weekend in Traffic Classic against LAFC.

The situation is that, in the middle of the week, the All-Star Game and individual skill tests are passed in which “Chicharito” is registered as an MLS character.

That is, if the club and Hernandez choose not to participate for fear of slowing their progress, he will not be present in the Los Angeles competition on Saturday either.

“We have a plan already sent to the league. It’s not the place for me to discuss what has been discussed internally, but the conversation is ongoing,” said coach Greg Fannie on Friday after the Earthquakes game.

Even before the injury, Chicharito had started 2021 on a great moment. Javier remains the team’s top scorer after his 10 goals in the same number of matches. Their last match was on June 26 when they beat San Jose with a double from the Mexican in particular.

“Our time for Javier to come back will be the safest time for him to be on the field and in the best way for him to finish the season,” said Fani.