Encouraging news from U.S. Men’s National Team camp where Jozy Altidore has been cleared to resume team workouts after an MRI on his right hamstring was declared normal.
The injury kept Altidore out of Sunderland’s 3-1 loss at Crystal Palace this past weekend, raising fears that the 23 year old may not be fit for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers in Costa Rica on September 6th and in Mexico on September 10th.
But the doubts were erased Tuesday morning when U.S. Soccer confirmed Altidore’s clean bill of health via Twitter:
#USMNT forward @JozyAltidore has been cleared to resume workouts after a full evaluation from the medical staff here in Florida.
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) September 3, 2013
With the good news coming from the medical team U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann is reportedly optimistic that his star striker will be available for selection in Mexico, if not for Costa Rica as well.
Altidore has been on a tear of late on the international stage, scoring seven goals in his last five matches, including a hat-trick during the 4-3 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina back on August 14th. That form has helped the U.S. to a 12-match winning streak that stretches back to the 4-3 victory over Germany on June 2nd.
In the Hexagonal, the Stars & Stripes have sole control of first place with 13 points in six matches, including three straight victories over Jamaica, Panama and Honduras. The U.S., which has never won a qualifier in Costa Rica, can change history by getting the three points in San Jose. A win against Los Ticos, combined with a draw between Mexico and Honduras and Panama losing or drawing with Jamaica, will see the U.S. clinch a spot in the World Cup.