US National Team striker Jozy Altidore is “ready and available” for Tuesday’s World Cup knockout stage match against Belgium, according to the US Soccer Federation.
Altidore had strained his hamstring just 23 minutes into the tournament-opening 2-1 victory over Ghana. He didn’t play in the 2-2 tie against Portugal or the 1-0 loss to Germany, but the US managed to survive and advance from Group G, the so-called Group of Death.
After practicing Monday, Altidore has been pronounced fit to play. It’s unclear whether he’ll start or just be available for the bench.
The 24-year-old New Jersey native is by far the most physical striker on coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s 23-man roster, and the only natural target forward capable of holding possession up front. Without him, the US struggled to hold the ball.