AMSTERDAM – Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore is expected back in training around midweek after missing their weekend FA Cup loss due to an illness, the club informed MLSsoccer.com.
The US forward stayed behind as his teammates fell 3-0 at Hull City on Sunday, but should be back with the group in a couple of days. There had been some confusion about his absence, with UK sources reporting that boss Gustavo Poyet stated Altidore had been victim of a "training knock."
"The manager said he was unwell," a Sunderland spokesman told MLSsoccer.com. "I presume that [Altidore will be back in training soon], it is nothing serious."
The former Red Bulls forward has struggled for goal production in his first season with the club, bagging just two in 32 games across all competitions this term. Having missed the prior week's Capital One Cup final defeat because of a coach's decision, this weekend's "DNP" marked the first time on the campaign that Altidore had been outside the selection for consecutive games.
Sunderland, currently two points shy of the safety zone, return to Premier League action by hosting a relegation derby with Crystal Palace on Sunday.
