Giovinco replaced by Altidore in All Star Game

Sebastian-Giovinco

Sebastian Giovinco, left, has scored 17 goals so far this season. (Kevin Hagen/AP)

Toronto FC has confirmed that star forward Sebastian Giovinco won’t play in Wednesday’s MLS All Star Game due to nagging heel injury.

His place on the MLS All Star roster has been taken by teammate and fellow forward Jozy Altidore.

Giovinco on Tuesday flew to Denver, site of the match against English Premier League club Totenham, and was ruled out following a medical examination in the Mile High City.

Giovinco has been dealing with a heel injury, and was subbed out late during Toronto’s 3-3 draw away to the Columbus Crew on the weekend. The Italian ranks second in league scoring with 13 goals.

TFC captain Michael Bradley was ruled out of the All Star Game on Tuesday because of a calf injury.

This is Altidore’s first MLS All Star Game selection. He has eight goals in 16 appearances this year in all competitions.

Previous Toronto players to play in the All Star Game include Ronnie O’Brien (2007), Jimmy Brennan (2008), Dwayne De Rosario (2009, 2010) and Bradley (2014). Jermain Defoe was supposed to participate last year but didn’t because of injury.

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