Toronto FC confident Altidore will return from hamstring injury Sunday

Toronto FC's attacking unit is close to being fully fit with news that Jozy Altidore could be available when the club visits Sporting KC on Sunday.

Manager Greg Vanney is confident Altidore, who will attend the U.S. national team's training camp later this month, will make his season debut after overcoming the tendon injury.

"We are optimistic Altidore will be available for the weekend," Vanney told reporters during Friday's training session.

However, Vanney insisted that Altidore won't be rushed back if there's any doubt over his fitness ahead of the team's third match of the season.

"Last week was one of those (situations) where we thought if we really, really pushed him he probably could've been available," Vanney added.

"We chose not to push him. If we do the same this week, it'll be just because he wasn't able to get somewhere (physically) that we thought was important before this weekend. Aside from that, he's looked good; he's been sharp in training."

Altidore, who sustained the injury during a preseason training session in Orlando, contended reports suggesting the hamstring knock was a "serious" injury.

"It was a bit frustrating because it wasn't as serious as some people made it out to be,” Altidore said.

"The club just wanted to take a precaution. I got behind that, I was fine with it. I sat out an extra week, but I'm excited, I'm fit, and I'm ready to go."

His possible inclusion Sunday should help Toronto maintain its unbeaten record to start the MLS season.

Altidore managed to find the back of the net 13 times during his first season with TFC.