TORONTO - Surrounded by coaches and trainers, Toronto FC star Sebastian Giovinco worked out separately from his teammates Thursday afternoon.

The forward was allowed to sleep in after returning in the wee hours from the MLS all-star game in Denver, where Toronto medical staff had determined he should not play because of an ongoing heel bruise.

"It's day-to-day," said Toronto manager Greg Vanney.

The diminutive Italian has been managing the injury, usually with a lesser training load at the start of the week. Complicating the matter is the fact Toronto's next game is on New England's artificial turf

"We'll see where we are come Saturday, obviously understanding too that it's turf," Vanney said prior to Giovinco's workout. "We'll take the necessary precautions along the way. But (Thursday) will be pretty telling ... just to see if he's feeling like he does every week or if it's any worse this week."

The good news is the Atomic Ant looked spry in his solo workout.

With Giovinco having scored or assisted on 23 of Toronto's 31 goals, it's no wonder they are monitoring him closely.

Which leads to the question, why put him through a flight to Denver — admittedly via private jet and with the team trainer — if there was a chance he wouldn't play?

Vanney pointed to the business side of MLS.

"It's a big deal for the league. And to have him there to meet people and to engage was important for the league's perspective."

"We understand the importance of the event," Vanney added diplomatically. "We took every precaution to get him there and get him back as quickly as we could."

Giovinco has proved to be talented and durable. The five-foot-four 130-pounder has started all 19 of Toronto's league games, missing just 22 minutes in total.

Toronto's training room is already full.

Captain Michael Bradley is out for seven to 10 days with a calf issue. Also missing are defenders Ashtone Morgan (adductor strain), Clement Simonin (knee) and Nick Hagglund (appendix), and forward Luke Moore (ankle).

Midfielder Collen Warner is suspended for yellow card accumulation.

The good news is that striker Jozy Altidore, who replaced Giovinco in the all-star game, is good to go. He flew directly to Boston from Denver with a trainer after the all-star game. And newly signed defender Ahmed Kantari is ready, although Vanney may try to restrict his minutes with a busy schedule ahead.

After New England, Toronto (8-7-4) plays home contests against Orlando and Sporting Kansas City next week.

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