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Toronto FC face even bigger challenge without Jozy Altidore

By Paul Taylor

Jozy Altidore of Toronto FC celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the second leg match of the final between Chivas and Toronto FC as part of CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Akron Stadium on April 25, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Jozy Altidore of Toronto FC celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the second leg match of the final between Chivas and Toronto FC as part of CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Akron Stadium on April 25, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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Already struggling in MLS play, Toronto FC now have to survive for at least four weeks without their top striker, Jozy Altidore.

As the saying goes, ‘when it rains it pours’. You imagine Toronto FC are extremely familiar with this phrase now.

There was the blow of getting all the way to the CONCAF Champions League final and losing on penalties. Talk about the most agonizing and frustrating way to just miss out on glory.

Then there are the injury issues in defence. This has been compounded most recently by the loss of Drew Moor, who will be for at least two months with a quad tear.

Now, it’s about to get even worse. TFC will have to do without Jozy Altidore for the next four to six weeks.

The news was confirmed by Sportsnet‘s John Molinaro. As Molinaro reported, Altidore underwent successful foot surgery in New York on Tuesday, to remove bone fragments.

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The 28-year-old suffered his injury during the second leg of the Champions League final and had to come off late on in the second half. This is understandably a major blow for the Reds.

Altidore was a key component in their first MLS Cup success last season, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists in the regular season and playoffs combined. And he has continued his excellent form this year, with five goals and two assists in all competitions.

There’s never really a good stage in any season to lose one of your best players. However, the timing is bad, as Toronto FC look to climb back into contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Reds are currently second bottom in the East. Of more importance, they are seven points out of the final playoff spot in the conference.

If Altiodore does miss six weeks, he will be out for seven league games. Even the best-case scenario of four weeks, would still see him absent for at least five contests.

While the two-time MLS All-Star is out, expect Tosaint Ricketts to take up the majority of his playing time. However, there should also be opportunities for Jordan Hamilton to get on the pitch.

Next: Defence suffers another blow

In your opinion, how important is Altidore to the team? How do you see TFC faring during his absence? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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