Donovan, Keane off to national team duty before MLS Cup

Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan may have a title match coming up, but both will be off to international duty before the MLS Cup final.

Nov 7, 2011 8:08:00 AM

By Knowles Adkisson

More On :  Ireland Republic, USA, Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan
Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan; Los Angeles Galaxy
Harry How

If Los Angeles goes on to lift the MLS Cup trophy, the club will have to do it with two of its star players coming off international duty.

Landon Donovan confirmed he would be playing for the U.S. national team in its friendly in France ahead of the MLS Cup final Nov. 20. The L.A. Galaxy star made the announcement Sunday after the team defeated Real Salt Lake 3-1 to advance to the MLS Cup final against Houston.

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Donovan said he would be available to play a full 90 minutes for the U.S. when it takes the field against Les Bleus at Stade de France outside of Paris.

“It’s not ideal timing, but it’s the way it goes,” Donovan said. “It’s part of football unfortunately. The way our league is set up doesn’t coincide with the scheduling but it’s all part of it, we’re all professionals.”

Robbie Keane, who recently picked up an adductor injury while away on international duty for the Republic of Ireland that kept him out for three and a half weeks, will suit up for his country as it faces Estonia with a spot in Euro 2012 on the line.

“I have two more games to look forward to with the Republic of Ireland, that’ll be five games in two weeks,” Keane said. “It’s going to be tough but I’m looking forward to it.”

Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said he was aware Donovan and Keane would be leaving, although he said it would make preparations for Houston more difficult.

“It’s not going to be easy,” Arena said. “I haven’t talked to Landon after the game, but we’re going to be losing players to international duty and that’s never easy.”

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