Things may be starting to look up for Toronto FC fans
Altidore may return to the pitch this weekend against Chicago after foot surgery in May
Toronto FC star forward Jozy Altidore could make his muchanticipated return to the lineup when his team visits the Chicago Fire on Saturday.
“He could play a role as early as this weekend,” Toronto coach Greg Vanney said following training on Friday. “He’s been training for a couple of weeks, so it’s a matter of getting his fitness levels up.”
Altidore has made 11 appearances this season in various competitions.
He has played in just three Major League Soccer matches while collecting two goals in 2018. On May 8, Altidore underwent surgery to remove bone fragments in his foot.
“I’m excited to play, I wish it could be under better circumstances,” Altidore said.
Toronto has struggled in 2018. After reaching the MLS Cup final the past two seasons, defending champion Toronto has notched just four wins in 19 MLS matches this season. TFC is second last (10th) in the MLS Eastern Conference and is 11 points back of the Montreal Impact, who occupy the final playoff spot.
Key injuries to players like Altidore have contributed to Toronto FC’s struggles. His return should help bolster a lineup looking to recapture the glory of the past two campaigns.
“Hopefully we can start to get him minutes and get him up to maximum fitness so we can and get him to be a 90-minute player,” Vanney said. “It’s going to take some work to get him there because it’s been a long break, but physically he looks good and he feels good.”