Oct 16, 2019
Vanney: Altidore won't be 100 per cent by Sat.
Toronto FC manager Greg Vanney admitted Wednesday that star striker Jozy Altidore will not be 100 per cent for Saturday's playoff game against DC United. It remains unclear whether Altidore, who limped off the field in the 70th minute of TFC’s season-ending 1-0 win over Columbus Crew last week, will suit up in the contest.
TSN.ca Staff
Toronto FC manager Greg Vanney admitted Wednesday that star striker Jozy Altidore will not be 100 per cent for Saturday's playoff game against DC United.
It remains unclear whether Altidore, who limped off the field in the 70th minute of TFC’s season-ending 1-0 win over Columbus Crew last week, will suit up in the contest.
Vanney, who added Altidore is day-to-day, said he's hopeful Altidore will be available.
"He's doing well. He's taken good steps. Hopefully he'll be out doing more stuff out on the field tomorrow [Thursday], but we got him running, we got up him back up to speed," Vanney told TSN's Kristian Jack. "It's day-to-day, really is where we are at right now. Hopefully he'll be available for something."
Vanney added that Toronto will be prepared if Altidore is unable to play.
"It's a big game and if we can get him there and he's feeling good in terms of no pain and functionally we are all in the right place, we'll have him available for something," explained Vanney. "But if we're not quite there yet then we won't. At this time of year you have all scenarios in mind and you're setting yourself up for anything."
Altidore told Jack that he has not been able to get back onto the training field since going down with the injury, but says he's "getting better and better" and is still hopeful he'll be ready for Saturday.
"I feel pretty good. I've told the staff I feel good so they know where my head's at and I'm ready if needed," explained Altidore.
The 29-year-old was forced to miss Tuesday's United States men's national team loss against Canada due to the injury.
In 23 appearances across all competitions for the Reds this season, his fifth with the club, Altidore scored 11 goals.
The MLS Champions in 2017 with Altidore scoring the match-winning goal, TFC returns to the postseason after a one-year absence.
The winner of the DC United vs. TFC match will meet New York City FC, the top team in the East, on October 23rd at Yankee Stadium.