Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore wasn't too optimistic when assessing his strained quadriceps, saying it would take a "miracle" for him to play in MLS Cup.
"It's been a while. At this point, it'll take a little bit of a miracle to be out there on Sunday," Altidore said on Monday, referencing the upcoming final in Seattle against the Sounders (live on Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC).
"But that's where I am. And I've just got to try to keep trying to get myself there. I believe in miracles. Just keep working and put your head down and go for it and we'll see. It's a big game. It's going to take a lot to keep anybody out of it."
While Altidore said he is feeling "better and better," he declined to elaborate on how the injury is holding him back.
"You'd have to ask the medical team that stuff," he said.
The U.S. international has not played since walking gingerly off the field in the 70th minute of Toronto's 1-0 win over Columbus on Oct. 6 in the regular-season finale.
He did not dress for Toronto's playoff wins over visiting D.C. United (5-1 after extra time) and at New York City FC (2-1) and Atlanta United FC (2-1).
"With each game, we have optimism -- more as we get farther and farther down the road," coach Greg Vanney said. "But we knew the first few were going to be really challenging."
Vanney has pushed forward Spanish playmaker Alejandro Pozuelo in Altidore's absence, flanked by Nicolas Benezet and Tsubasa Endoh.
Altidore recorded 11 goals and seven assists in 22 regular-season games this season for Toronto FC, which is facing Seattle for the third time in MLS Cup.
Seattle won on penalty kicks in 2016 while Toronto FC posted a 2-0 victory the following year.