jozy altidore
Altidore of the U.S. grimaces as he grabs his leg after sustaining an injury during their 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match against Ghana at the Dunas arena in Natal Reuters

Sunderland boss, Gus Poyet, is confident that American striker Jozy Altidore will be able to recover in time for preseason after hitting the sidelines due to a hamstring injury during USA's opening match against Ghana in the World Cup finals.

The 24-year-old was able to redeem himself in the Dutch Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar following a failed stint with Villareal, who loaned him out several times as he was deemed a surplus to their needs, which led the Black Cats to sign him for £8.8million in 2013.

"From the beginning, the doctor has been in touch with the US medical staff," Poyet

"In the beginning it looked bad but it got much better during the weeks and Jozy was nearly available for the last 16."

"If, say, the US had got through to the next stage, Jozy would have played a part. We know hamstring injuries are tricky and that you have to be careful not to come back too quickly."

"Jozy deserves his holidays now. We have an agreement as to how many days he will have after finishing in the World Cup."

"I am sure, if nothing goes wrong, that when Jozy is back with us for pre-season, he is going to be fit to start training without any problems."

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