Photo by ISIphotos.com
by TRAVIS CLARK
The unexpected delay to Jozy Altidore's English Premier League career continues this week. The 19-year-old striker was stuck in the United States and was once again unavailable for selection as Hull City was thrashed 5-1 against Tottenham on Wednesday. The reason for the hold up? According to Phil Brown, it's swine flu.
Despite the approval of his work permit Monday of last week, Altidore has missed out on Hull's first two games. The Hull Daily Mail is reporting that Altidore had been under quarantine by the U.S. government after the revelation that Landon Donovan had swine flu. The always colorful Hull City coach Brown had some choice words for the situation.
""I might as well be speaking to Barack Obama. We're bamboozled by the whole process," Brown told the Hull Daily Mail. "I've not seen his 'Twittering' but I believe he should be doing it everyday to make sure people know how frustrated he is."
The always outspoken Brown had plenty to say on the matter, all of which can be read via the link above.
If all goes well in a follow up test, Altidore will be cleared and able to fly out today and rejoin his teammates ahead of a game against Bolton this weekend.
It wasn't all bad news for Altidore. On Wednesday, Real Madrid forward Alvaro Negredo turned down a move to Hull City, a move that could have cut into Altidore's playing time.
What do you think of Jozy's delay? Think the U.S. is being a bit too over cautious? Can Jozy help Hull rebound from a slow start? Share your thoughts below.