Toronto FC's Altidore, Gonzalez making progress, could play vs. Atlanta

Toronto FC's chances of spoiling Atlanta United's MLS Cup final defense received a boost Saturday.

Coach Greg Vanney provided positive updates on injuries to dependable veterans Jozy Altidore and Omar Gonzalez, saying both are expected back in training this weekend ahead of Wednesday's Eastern Conference final in Atlanta.

Vanney said he expects Altidore to return to training Sunday following platelet-rich plasma injections on his injured quadriceps.

"But we've got a few days to cross all that off the list so we're hopeful that he can be available," Vanney told The Canadian Press' Neil Davidson. "I don't know to what extent. We'll have to see what the next days look for but we're hoping he can be available to either start or come in."

Altidore last played Oct. 6 against the Columbus Crew and was not included in the squad for Toronto's two playoff victories over D.C.United and New York City FC.

Gonzalez, a certain starter in Vanney's XI when fit, appears more likely to play a part versus Atlanta after participating in training Saturday.

"He feels great," Vanney said of the towering center-back. "He did a lot of high-intensity change-of-direction movement. All the things that we need him to do to show he's ready to play. And he felt good. So he'll be in full training (Sunday) and we'll go from there."

Like his USMNT international mate, Gonzalez last played during the regular-season finale against Columbus. Though he's missed both playoff tilts with a hamstring concern, he made the bench for the victory in New York.