The LA Galaxy's newest high-profile addition, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, says he is trying to remain patient as he continues to deal with a work visa delay as the regular season fast approaches.
His participation with his new Galaxy teammates has been limited since the team acquired the Mexico international from Spanish side Sevilla last month and signed him to a three-year deal on Jan. 21.
"We are waiting for the visa," Chicharito told reporters as the Galaxy unveiled its new safe-standing area at Dignity Health Sports Park. "Like you saw already, I'm training apart [from the team]. We need to respect the process. So we're going to keep waiting. Hopefully it's sooner than later [that] the visa is going to come."
A league source told ESPN that they expect the situation to be resolved this week.
The popular member of the Mexico national team has played for European soccer powers like Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, in addition to West Ham and Sevilla. He has 52 goals in 109 appearances with Mexico and has played in three World Cups.
"I need to be patient because it's out of my hands and I don't work in that," he said. "A lot of people are doing the best they can so I can get my visa as soon as possible. They are doing an incredible job. Hopefully I can get it [Sunday] or next week or whenever. I'm going to be ready with my fitness even if I'm not training with the team."
The Galaxy have two more preseason games remaining, Saturday against Toronto FC and Feb. 22 against the Chicago Fire. They open the regular season on the road against the Houston Dynamo on Feb. 29 (stream all out-of-market matches live on ESPN+).