United States and Toronto FC star Jozy Altidore will be held out of the national team's friendly against Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday with a minor muscle strain and amid transfer rumors.
U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter on Saturday said Altidore sustained a "very, very minor strain" two weeks ago and added that "a number of clubs" are interested in Altidore.
"From there on in he just worked his way back and he was also in full training today," Berhalter said. "But with the transfer window looming, and the game being (Sunday), it's a chance we didn't want to take with Jozy, so he will not be participating.
"Jozy is another focus of transfer speculation. I don't think it's my place to go into details of that. I think that's a place for his club and for Jozy," Berhalter said.
Gregg Berhalter confirmed Jozy Altidore and Julian Araujo will not be in uniform for #USAvTRI.
While he could play, Altidore is being held out as a precaution. Araujo arrived in camp after recovering from illness and isn't fully fit. pic.twitter.com/hYYxOV3QEh— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) January 30, 2021
ESPN reported that Altidore's relationship with Toronto FC general manager Ali Curtis has reached a breaking point over his contract status. Altidore signed a three-year extension in 2019. However, Altidore tweeted Saturday advising not to "believe everything you read. The devil is working overtime."
Altidore, 31, has scored 67 goals with 24 assists the past six seasons with Toronto FC. Feb. 1 is the transfer deadline for many European countries.
