Jozy Altidore pulls up lame with a hamstring injury.
Credit: Getty Images
The United States is still basking in the glow of a shocking 2-1 victory captured in the 86th minute against Ghana. But they know Portugal comes next and they might be without starting striker Jozy Altidore.
Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann spoke with the press on Tuesday, but was unable to shed much light on the left hamstring injury Altidore suffered chasing after a ball in the 23rd minute.
“Jozy, we have to see how he reacts the next couple of days with his hamstring,” Klinsmann said. “We still have hope that Jozy will be back [in this tournament].”
Altidore was to be sent to Rio de Janeiro for more testing on Tuesday. The team is woefully short in reserves at forward, though captain and fellow forward Clint Dempsey is maybe the team’s best player.
Aron Johannsson came in to replace Altidore after the injury, but Klinsmann has yet to name a starting 11 for June 22. Chris Wondolowski is the other reserve forward on the team. Neither player has nearly the international experience of Altidore. Johannsson has two goals in nine appearances with the U.S. team, while Wondolowski has nine goals in 21 appearances. Both are making their World Cup debuts.
Dempsey meanwhile suffered a broken nose when he was kicked in the face by Ghana defender John Boye during the game but said he will play Sunday. He has yet to decide if he will wear a mask.
Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSports.
