Toronto FC duo Giovinco, Altidore ruled out for preseason match vs. Montreal

Toronto FC is set to reignite its rivalry with the Montreal Impact during a preseason friendly Wednesday, but the Reds will have to do it without star performers Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore.

TFC head coach Greg Vanney was quick to dispel fears of an injury to the Atomic Ant, saying the Italian "got beat up just a little bit but it was nothing that's significant," according to Neil Davidson of the Canadian Press. He added that Giovinco will be rested in order to "give him a chance to recover."

Altidore's prognosis is less optimistic, though, as the U.S. striker seems to be dealing with a hamstring problem once again.

"He pulled up. He was feeling tight," Vanney said of Altidore, according to Kurt Larson of the Toronto Sun. "We were about to shut down the session anyways. All things considered, it was time to shut him down. He was feeling a bit tight in general when he came off. We'll assess him and see where he's at."

While a rivalry match is usually worth watching, the priority in this iteration of the 401 Derby is staying healthy, according to Vanney.

"As we get into the season it's about getting healthy and it's about keeping guys healthy," Vanney said. "Getting as many guys on the field together as often as possible has always been the challenge."